Statler Family Obituaries
Eaker, Irene Theresa (nee Geringer)
Irene Theresa Eaker, 102, a professional businesswoman in Cape Girardeau for many years, died Thursday, Dec. 24, 2009, at Brentwood Nursing Center in Florissant, Mo.
She was born June 21, 1907, in Biehle, Mo., one of eight children born to Leo and Julia Blechle Geringer. She was raised in Cape Girardeau.
She and Lee V. Eaker were married May 25, 1931, at Cape Girardeau. He preceded her April 3, 1988.
She was a member of St. Mary's Cathedral.
At the age of 9 she worked for the nuns at Saint Francis Hospital as a candy striper until she was 14. For the next 15 years she worked as a dental assistant for Dr. Rapp. After she and Lee were married, they owned the Smoke Shop and operated the Jolly Cab Co. from 1931 until 1941. She and her husband, along with their stepson, owned and operated the Pla-mor Recreation Center on Broadway for 21 years, retiring in 1971.
Mrs. Eaker spent her time as a volunteer at Saint Francis Medical Center and accumulated more than 35,000 documented volunteer hours. They retired her at age 94. She was a member of The Daughters of Isabella.
She lived in Cape Girardeau until her health lead her to live with a stepdaughter-in-law and grandchildren in St. Louis, in 2004. For the last year she had been living in the nursing home.
In 2008 she received a proclamation and a key to the city of Florissant given to her by Mayor Lowery.
Survivors include a sister, Esther Lancaster; and grandchildren William L. Eaker Jr., Brent D. Eaker and Rebecca Sue Eaker.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, William L. Eaker; four brothers; and two sisters.
Friends may call from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Monday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Chapel.
The funeral will be at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Cathedral in Cape Girardeau, with the Rev. Tom Kiefer officiating.
Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be given to Arthritis Foundation.
Printed in the Sunday, December 27, 2009 edition of the Southeast Missourian, Cape Girardeau, MO.
©2009 by David Statler of StatlerWeb
Last Updated: November 08, 2010