Irmtraut Fletter Obituary (1917

Biography Irmtraut Fletter, age 97, passed away on April 21, 2014 at her home in Steilacoom in the presence of her family. She was born to Lisa and Wolfgang Heubner in Leipzig, Germany on February 16, 1917, and adopted at age three by Ella and Georg Stoehr. She was married for 54 years to Col. R.W. Fletter ('Bill'), deceased 2003. Bill and Irm moved to Steilacoom from Gig Harbor. As a military wife, she lived in many different states before moving to the Northwest in the 1980's. After Bill's retirement, they travelled extensively and were active enthusiasts on many cultural and educational tours all over the world. Irm is survived by her son, Wolfgang Fletter and his wife, Maria, of Steilacoom; by two daughters, Katrin Fletter of Vashon Island; and Stephanie Fletter of California. She has three grandsons: Kurt Fletter of Oregon, Peter Fletter of Hawaii and Alex Fletter of Oregon; and three great grandchildren. Irm was an ardent supporter of animal causes as well as an articulate defender of the environment. She loved and owned dogs all her life. Feeding birds in her backyard and gardening were also lifelong enjoyments. She tended her garden and kept the flowers beautiful at her home, where she lived independently to the end of her life. She was born and educated in Germany where she became a medical technician. Irm spent a year in America at an Ohio hospital as a young woman. During the war she was working at the Red Cross in Berchtesgaden. It was there she met and fell instantly in love with Bill. They were married in 1949. Irm has always been a steadfast supporter of her adopted country. She will be missed by many who knew her as a feisty, independent, energetic, thoughtful, and outspoken Matriarch whether they met at the Symphony, at Curves, at Life classes, at Steilacoom Historical Society, as a Madigan volunteer or walking her dog in the park. She was an inspiration of how to grow old with dignity to the many who were touched by her. The family will have a small memorial service in her honor on Mothers Day. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to an animal rescue organization of your choice.