Amelia Horstman

Amelia G. “Melie” (Niemeier) Horstman, age 99, of rural Evansville, was called home by the Lord, Saturday, June 7, 2014 at her home. Mrs. Horstman was born February 4, 1915 to the late George and Magdalena (Rexing) Niemeier. She was a lifelong member of St. Philip Catholic Church, where she attended St. Philip grade school until family responsibilities demanded her attention. The oldest of five children, Melie became a mother to her brother and three sisters when their mother, Magdalena became ill and died at the age of 44. Her family ran a farm, selling vegetables and other farm products to help make ends meet and survive the Great Depression. She worked for a short time at the Fendrich Cigar Factory and cleaned private homes to help with expenses. After meeting her future husband, Carl at the Crystal Heights Saturday night barn dances, they were married on June 23, 1943, while he was on leave prior to his European deployment with the United States Army Medical Corps. Upon his return from World War II, she quickly converted him to a country boy, settling in St. Philip where they raised eight children. A hard working housewife, she took in ironing to help support the family while also growing, canning and selling produce from their two acre garden in the form of strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, beans, tomatoes and potatoes by the bushel to friends, neighbors and local grocery stores, especially the former Saveway Market in Evansville. She was well known for her homemade kuchens that she shared with many in the community especially the nuns and priests assigned to St. Philip Parish. Church life was always a priority for her as a lifelong member of St. Philip Parish. She actively participated in the P.T.O., Quilters Group and Ladies Club, as well as working for years with all of the fund raisers, including the Summer Socials and all of the Smorgasbords. She and her husband Carl, Sr., were selected as members of the Brute Society representing St. Philip Church of Posey County for their exceptional service and positive Christian example they set for the St. Philip community. At home she was the adoptive mother to many of her eight children’s friends, never knowing who would be slumbering on the living room floor in the morning. All were welcome and if you wondered in over Christmas, you can bet a present with your name was found under the tree. As dementia slowly affected her ability to easily communicate with her friends and family, she never lost her pleasant and fun loving disposition. She would continually break out in laughter making visits with her always enjoyable. In addition to her parents and husband Carl, Sr. she was preceded in death by a son, Allen Ray in 1947; her sisters, Marie (Tom) Koressel and Agnes (Joe) Scheller; a son-in-law, Cliff Backes and great grandchild, Mara McDonald. She is survived by children, Dan (Rosemarie) Horstman, Rose Backes, Clem (Connie) Horstman, Carl (Buffy) Horstman, Jr., Tom (Nancy) Horstman, Monica Horstman, Gloria (Mike “Mac”) McDonald and Martha (Mike) Bohleber; grandchildren, Jeff (Vicky) Horstman, Joanna (Matt) Riney, Bruce (Chastidy) Horstman, Bryan (Leta) Horstman, Brad Horstman, Andy (Mindy) McDonald, Anthony (Addy) McDonald, Paul (Angie) McDonald, Nathan (Annika) McDonald, Audrey, Aaron and Angela McDonald, Matthew (Amanda) Bohleber and Michele Bohleber Scott; 29 great grandchildren; a sister, Irene Scheller; brother, Ray Niemeier and gobs of nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday, June 11, 2014 at St. Philip Catholic Church, Rev. Claude Burns officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 2:00 until 8:00 P.M. on Tuesday at Pierre Funeral Home, 2601 W. Franklin Street, where there will be a memorial service held at 3:00 P.M. Friends may also visit with the family from 12:00 P.M. until service time on Wednesday at St. Philip Church. The family would like to thank Terry Stoltz and Gentiva Hospice, especially Casey and Ann for their compassionate care of Melie. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Philip Catholic Church, 3500 S. St. Philip Road, Mt. Vernon, IN 47620. Condolences may be made online at www.pierrefuneralhome.com.

Amelia Horstman

February 4, 1915 - June 7, 2014