Ingeborg Flanagan

Mom you were so strong throughout your life! From war torn Germany, to a raising a loving family to taking care of dad for 10 years on your own after his stroke to finally being able relax on the beaches in southern Florida, you were an inspiration to not only me but also to Casey and the rest of our family. You showed us the value of perseverance. I will always cherish the memories of Frankenmuth ( combination platter at the Bavarian Inn), calling you about Michigan Football games ( you were always the optimist…” they’ll be better next year”), our trips to watch U-M play in the Fiesta and Orange Bowls, our dinners at the Irish Pub in Ft Lauderdale, our trips to Disney World ( especially in the Yaris), making sure Dennis and I were always stocked with Beer Sticks from Teds when we visited and especially Sunday afternoons when I called to just talk. May you truly Rest In Peace. Ich Liebe Dich!!

I have so many fond memories of my childhood with my mother. Mom, even though you were not an aspiring cook (her chili was awesome!!!) you gave us the opportunity to eat at the many restaurants around the Saginaw area when we were growing up. Following your German heritage, Frankenmuth became your adaptive city where we would always step in our footprints. You always did everything with thoughtful consideration and put others before yourself. On my return visits to home I would always see notes of preperation for everything you did. Your care for Dad's last 10 years of his life will have an everlasting effect on our lives. Mom, your strength was never more evident this past weekend. Knowing what you have gone through just recently, I received a message that you called out my name during the week, so at the last second, I took a flight to New Jersey. After spending the weekend with you, I took a late flight home. Early the following morning, I received a message that she was reunited with Dad. Mom you wanted your sons to get togerther one last time with you..... and we now have memories of all the special times we spent together. Mom, REST IN PEACE and keep your wisdom streaming down to us on earth. Love, Dennis Flanagan

Grandma, you will always be my favorite person. I am who I am because of you. Under the age of 10 you lived a luxurious life as a Reuter until Nazi German took everything you had, including your family. You were homeless and made money by collecting dead bodies and bringing them to the International Red Cross as a child. Years later, you came to America alone without knowing any English. But by God’s grace, you found your way. And by God’s love, you never had a hardened heart. Scientifically, you should have tremendous PTSD, but you have never followed the norm. You made sure your life was a testament of hope and always looking on the bright side. You taught me that no matter what I am going through, things will always get better in the end. You taught me to never give up. You taught me to never take anything for granted. You taught me strength. You taught me love. Since taking care of you at home last August, you lead me to my passion of occupational therapy. My life will literally be forever changed because of you. I will miss your constant encouragement, singing to you, our times at the Irish Pub, our booty-shaking ysessions, you asking if I finally have a boyfriend, your obsession with tape, you always cheating in Bananagrams, our bonfire nights, calling you about JMU or Michigan football, our facetime calls when I’m at school, your love of flowers, your beautiful face every time I came home these past several months, your love of vitamins, your humor, and mostly your love. I know I will see you again some day, until then, ich liebe dich.

We have so many fond memories with my mother. Even though you were not an inspiring cook (though her chili was AWESOME!!!) you gave us the opportunity to eat at the many fine restaurants around the Saginaw area. Following her German heritage, Frankenmuth became her adapative city where we would always step in our footprints. Every week as a child, we would visit "her city" and the tradition would continue later on in life everytime Peggy, David and myself would come back to Michigan and each time David got to pick out a little toy bird from Bronner's. Peggy and I always appreciated the times of seeing Grandma enjoying and participating in activities with David, including watching her bowl when she was in her late 80's and playing games with him at Kokomo's. As a family, when we traveled to Michigan, Mom always had the same itinerary. Yes the beer sticks were always there waiting for us, and when we came during the holiday's the springerle cookies were in the same place on the kitchen table. We would always go out to eat late. But just before we ate, Mom always insisted we go somewhere for ice cream. We will cherish these and many more memories the rest of our lives. You have been an inspiration to all of your family and we will remember your thoughtfulness and the fun times that we shared together. Love Always, Peggy, Dennis and David Flanagan