Marianne Ingwersen

She was born on March 11, 1932, in Kiel, Germany, to Bernhard and Martha (Preuss) Wentorp. Her childhood was profoundly shaped by World War II. From approximately ages 9 to 15, her education took place through the League of German Girls, the female branch of the Hitler Youth. During those difficult years, she lived away from home and was relocated several times as the war unfolded.

In 1950, Marianne immigrated to the United States to begin a new chapter in her life, joining her Aunt Ida and Uncle Jacob Christensen in DeWitt, Iowa. Because her education had been interrupted during the war, she completed high school in Iowa around 1951. She became a proud naturalized citizen of the United States on September 13, 1955, an accomplishment she cherished throughout her life. She loved America deeply and was grateful for the opportunities her adopted country provided.

At a family reunion, Marianne was being introduced to another young man when she instead met Frank Ingwersen. The chance meeting led to their marriage on August 29, 1953, and a lifetime together. They spent their early years following Frank's military assignments while Marianne worked in banking. Their journey led them through Kansas, Texas, and Alabama before they established their home in Kokomo, Indiana, where they raised their daughter, Shari.

In the late 1980s, Marianne and Frank had the opportunity to live in Luxembourg, an experience she treasured and often recalled with great affection.

Marianne possessed a lifelong love of learning and was a voracious reader until the very end of her life. She enjoyed golfing, attending plays and musicals, and later found great joy in watching and feeding "her" squirrels.

She is survived by her daughter, Shari (Michael) Hart; granddaughter, Danielle (Mathew) Gunkel; and great-granddaughter, Allaura Gunkel.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frank Ingwersen; her parents, Bernhard and Martha Wentorp; her brother, Horst Wentorp; and her sister, Lieselotte (Wentorp) Koehler.

A private family graveside service will be held Monday at 10:30 a.m. at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery, where Marianne will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband.