Neir, Irene J.

Mrs. Irene J. Neir, age 92, died January 3, 2007 in Muskegon, MI. She was born in Bay City, Michigan on April 13, 1914 to John and Sophie (Zawodnik) Bessyngier, married Charles Neir on August 24, 1940 and moved to Muskegon. They recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. Mrs. Neir graduated from Michigan State Normal College (Eastern Michigan University) in 1936 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Mrs. Neir was a Kindergarten and First Grade teacher at Lakeview Elementary in St. Clair Shores from 1936 to 1940, was a substitute teacher in Muskegon County from 1941 to 1947, taught at Churchill School from 1947 to 1949 and at Lindberg, Roosevelt, South Park and Loftis Grade Schools in Muskegon Heights from 1949 to 1966. She retired from her teaching career in 1966. Mrs. Neir was active in the Junior Chamber of Commerce Auxiliary as President for the Muskegon County Chapter, State Treasurer, State Vice President and Chairman of the State year Book Committee from 1941 to 1949. Mrs. Neir was instrumental in starting Cub Scout Pack 53 in Norton Shores and was Den Mother for Den 1. In the early 1950's Mrs. Neir was active with a core group in helping to start Lake Harbor Methodist Church. She was Secretary of the Building Committee and was the Women's Society Chairman from 1956 to 1958. Mr. and Mrs. Neir and their son were founding and charter members of Lake Harbor Methodist Church in 1956. Mrs. Neir was Secretary for the Muskegon Heights School District and Muskegon Community College faculty wives' organizations. Both Mr. and Mrs. Neir loved to travel and were active in the Airstream Wally Byam Caravan Club for over 35 years. They also had a winter home at Travelers Rest in the Dade City/Brooksville area of Florida for 20 years. Mrs. Neir's hobbies included crafts, knitting, golf and dancing. She is survived by her son Charles and his wife Kathie and grandchildren CJ and Todd of Sammamish, WA. MEMORIAL SERVICE: Saturday, January 13, at 11:00 AM at Lake Harbor United Methodist Church, 4861 S. Henry St., Muskegon, MI (231) 798-2181, Rev. Richard A. Morrison D.M. and Rev. Kenneth Lindland presiding. The family will greet friends after the service. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS may be made to Lake Harbor United Methodist Church.