Obituary of Erich O Kirchenwitz

Erich O. Kirchenwitz, 90, of Ft. Plain, passed away peacefully Friday, October 15, 2010 at his home. He was born October, 20, 1920, the son of the late Ernest and Meta Ponten Kirchenwitz in Koeslin Germany. Erich attended German schools, upon his graduation he learned at trade, he became a baker. Soon there after he joined the German NAVY. After serving for his country, he became a farmer. He married Ilse Rube on October 14, 1950. They traveled to the United States a year after marriage to live. During the years after they moved to New York, he worked as a farmer soon to own and operate his own Dairy Farm. Erich was a dedicated worker and ran his family farm until his retirement in 1982. He and his wife were members of the Farm Bureau and enjoyed going to events held by the association. He continued to raise heifers as a hobby until 2005. He and his wife shared a union of marriage for 60 years until his passing. His loving family includes his wife Ilse Kirchenwitz, his daughter Barbara and her husband Joseph of Ft. Plain, NY; his grandchildren Christa Ouderkirk and Hans Ouderkirk, as well as two sisters, Dora Wittmer of Ft. Plain NY and Irmchen Mehlhorn of Germany. Several nieces, nephews and cousins and friends also survive. Funeral Services for Erich will be Monday, October 18, 2010 at 12 O'clock at the Lenz & Betz Funeral Home, 69 Otsego Street, Canajoharie NY 13317. Family and friends are invited to visit from 11 until 12 before the service. Burial will take place at Ft. Plain Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Trinity Lutheran Church in Ft. Plain or to the Alzheimer's Association both in care of the funeral home office.