Ida Anderegg

Ida Theresa Anderegg was a strong woman who, despite losses in childhood, lived a full and fruitful life. The experiences she had and the character she formed made her the principled, refined, and delightful person that she was. Ida was a wonderful mother and a funloving grandmother. Whether caring for her children, playing games with grandchildren, or socializing with friends, Ida remained young at heart for all of her 97 years. Ida was born at the height of the industrial age when Henry Ford produced the first affordable car, and the Wright Brothers made their historic flight at Kitty Hawk. Reflecting the times, books were written on topics that ranged from big business and workers rights to race relations and womens suffrage. Born a woman of her time, Ida Theresa entered the world on September 27, 1909 in Traverse City, Michigan. She was one of George and Minnie (Reetz) Bosners seven children, three girls and four boys. Tragedy struck the family when their mother died of Typhoid Fever when Ida was just 7 years old. She went to live in Muskegon with her grandparents, Carl and Wilhelmina Reetz and their son, Gustave, who was several years older than Ida. Providentially, Ida enjoyed a normal childhood under the circumstances. Even though her father could not raise her, he loved her deeply. Ida was made to feel special to her father, and she considered herself a Daddys girl. One particular time, he bought her red shoes and candy when none of her other siblings got either. That was a memory Ida never forgot. Her grandparents owned and operated a cherry orchard and vineyard in Pinchtown, an unusual name that is presently called Lakeside. She was a typical kid growing up, though not many young girls became as accomplished in sports as she did. Ida played basketball and ran track, for which she won many ribbons. When her grandparents got older, Ida went to live with sister Edna in Muskegon. At some point, a cousin sold all Idas awards, but the many rich experiences of her childhood never left her. They only increased when, at age 14, Ida went to live with the Mecher family in North Muskegon. Ida worked for Beatrice Mecher as a domestic, doing housework and babysitting. She learned to cook, bake, keep house and perform all the other responsibilities a girl was expected to learn in that day. Beatrice had old wives tales that she lived by and passed on to Ida. One of the famous ones was about Monday wash days: Shed go look at the sky and if there was a clearing big enough to fit a dutchmans pants, it was safe to do laundry. She lived by this saying until they could afford a dryer! Without a doubt, Ida gained more than work experience at the Mechers. Beatrice truly became Idas mentor and a second mother in her life. Beatrices three daughters considered Ida their sister and treated her so, even exchanging presents at Christmas. Throughout their lives, they all remained in close contact with each other. When Ida was still in her teens, she met a man with whom she shared her loving heart. By some accounts, it was love at first sight when Ida and Harry laid eyes on each other at a dance they were attending. The story of their courtship was lost to history, but the truth of their devotion was sealed in 1927. Ida was 18 years old when she and Harry married, and she became a mother before she reached her 20s. Harrys work as a fire chief provided security for the young and growing family. Their first child, Bud, was born in 1928, Sonny was born in 1929 and Jack in 1930. Idas sons have many fond memories of their childhood, especially those that reflect their mothers sports experience. At the sandlot diamond behind their house, Ida not only taught her own boys how to play baseball but all the other kids in the neighborhood. Long into adulthood, the boys and their friends reminisced about such good times of their childhood. On one other occasion, the boys created a memorable event that their parents would just as soon have forgotten. They built a fort out of bricks in an athletic field, and they roofed it with tar paper. Beginning with such extravagance for a kids fort, the boys thought it would be quite fitting to build a fireplace. So they did. When they proceeded to light it, well, you can guess what happened: up in flames, full alarm fire! Needless to say, Fire Chief Dad was angry and Mom was embarrassed. Not one to pass on disciplining her children, Ida chased them around the kitchen table with a lit match, trying to reinforce the lesson: Dont play with fire! The next lesson was a discussion that went something like this: Dont make your parents look bad in public! Despite the occasional mishap, Ida raised three responsible young men who cherish their upbringing. They always had wonderful meals, made all the more extraordinary by Idas superb baking skills. She was famous for her meatballs and her light airy biscuits. Family vacations were often spent at family reunions or at Aunt Ednas cottage at School Section Lake in Oceana County. Ida took her leisure crocheting afghans. She made them for raffles and church bazaars and for every member of the family. At last count, Ida had made over 86 afghans. She also outfitted her granddaughters Barbie dolls with custom made wardrobes at Christmastime. Over the years, Ida kept up with her friends from childhood, Etta Balcom and Gen Gerling. They and their husbands often got together to play cards and enjoy each others company. They rotated between their homes, having dinner and playing cards. Even when the women were widowed, they stayed in touch. Idas friends picked her up for lunch or to go to yard sales. She never learned to drive, but that didnt stop Ida from taking trips to Florida with Gen. They shared a great friendship, and the three of them literally remained friends all Idas life. Over the past 32 years her daughterinlaw, Marva, has been her faithful and loving caregiver. Ida had to leave her home in December of 2005 due to falls, and was a resident of Day Spring Assisted Living Center. Due to failing health she was moved to University Park Care Center where she peacefully passed away. Mrs. Ida Theresa Anderegg, aged 97, died Monday, June 18, 2007. She is survived by: her 3 sons, G.W. Bud Anderegg (Lois) of North Muskegon, Harry F. Sonny Anderegg, Jr. (Marva) of Norton Shores, and Jack R. Anderegg (Dorothy) of Jackson, Mississippi; 8 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and 12 step grand and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Harry, Sr., 2 sisters, Edna and Minnie; 4 brothers and 1 great grandchild. A funeral service will be held at 2:00PM on Friday, June 22nd at North Muskegon Community United Methodist Church, the Rev. Robert Lynch officiating, and a reception to follow at the church. Visitation is scheduled for one (1) hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Macular Degeneration Foundation: PO Box 531313, Henderson, NV 89053. To make a contribution on line, to sign the guest book, or to leave a memory or photo, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.