Irmengard Cowell

Irmengard Cowell, daughter of the late Franz and Hedwig (Klein) Eigenschink, was born April 3, 1930 in Straubing, West Germany. She departed this life December 18, 2009, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 79 years, 9 months and 14 days. Irmengard grew up and attended school in Straubing. She was baptized and confirmed in the Straubing Catholic Church. After graduating from high school, Irmengard attended two years at a German university. During the WWII years, she worked as a seamstress in a local factory and as a nurse’s aide. In the late 1940’s, Irmengard met a United States soldier, Donald Cowell. They were married on July 15, 1950 in Straubing. This union was blessed with eight children: Donny, Robert, Steven, Christine, Lisa, Irma, Maxine and Michael. Upon coming to the United States, Irmengard was very proud of earning her citizenship, and took her right to vote seriously. She was also proud of her work with the Waynesville R-VI school district as a teacher’s and bus aide to special needs students. She loved them and they loved her very much. Irmengard was a gifted artist. She enjoyed painting and knitting. She had a great passion for animals, and took in many strays. She always made sure her bird feeders were full, and fed any animal that came up in the yard. But most of all she cherished time spent with family and friends. Irmengard was dearly loved, and will be greatly missed by six children: Steven Cowell of Waynesville, Christine Morrison (Don Hedrick) of Alexandria, Virginia, Lisa Cowell (Sam) of Pocola, Oklahoma, Irma Brinkley (Chad) of Rolla, Maxine Thompson (Mike) of Waynesville and Michael Cowell (Sheryl) of Topeka, Kansas; one brother: Max Wasl of Germany; 14 grandchildren: Teresa, Melissa, Patricia, Alberta, Katie, Misty, Jessica, Dennis, Cassie, Andrew, Devin, Skyla, Madison and Mason; several great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, Irmengard was also preceded in death by two sons, Donny and Robert; two brothers: Franz Eigenschink and Freddie Wasl and one sister: Hedwig Volkl. A memorial gathering was held from 3:00 – 5:00 P.M. Tuesday, December 22, 2009 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Irmengard Cowell to the Pulaski County Humane Society and may be left at the funeral home.

Irmengard Cowell

April 3, 1930 - December 18, 2009