Irmhild “Irma” Niederholtmeyer, 81, of Fort Wayne, Indiana passed away peacefully on April 30th 2026. Her life began within the bustling district of Wintersdorf-Altenburg, East Germany on August 28th 1944 to the late Fritz and Frieda Kroeber. Her childhood consisted of playing in the streets and walking to school along the Kirchgasse. After her initial immigration to West Germany at age 10, she followed her family aboard the Harry S. Taylor Soldier ship to begin a new and unfamiliar life in the United States at age 12.

Sponsored by the American Embassy and St. Paul Lutheran Church, Irma traveled by train from New York to what would become her lifelong home in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Settling on Florida Drive, she attended Northside High School and graduated in 1963. That same year, she met the love of her life, Werner Niederholtmeyer, who not only shared her German heritage, but an unwavering devotion to Irma herself. The two were married in 1964 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and built a beautiful life together rooted in love, faith, and family. They first made their home in Concordia Gardens, where they welcomed their son, Todd Allen, in 1966, and their daughter, Tina Marie, in 1970.

With a blossoming family, a shared pride in their German roots, and spirit of legacy, Irma and Werner built their business hand-in-hand through Werner’s Garage. What began as a dream was built brick by brick into a trusted and respected part of the Fort Wayne community. Irma faithfully served as the office manager of Werner’s Garage, but her role extended far beyond the office. She made an effort to prepare lunches, decorate the walls with awards and family photographs, and proudly share stories of her children, and eventually, of her grandchildren with the mechanics, employees, and customers who became like extended family over the years.

Outside of the business, Irma dedicated herself to serving and being an active part of the Fort Wayne community. She was a proud member of the Elks since 1971, the Alpha Delta Omega sorority, Rosary Society, and the Mercedes-Benz Club since 1968. Irma also cherished the friendships she built through the Red Hats, where she remained involved for more than 25 years, and through weekly card games shared with her lifelong girlfriends over the course of two decades. She prioritized traveling to appreciate and experience different cultures while also bringing her family back to the German culture that shaped her recipes, music, traditions, and way of life.

Irma was known for her loud and unwavering display of love and affection, her youthful spirit, and her extraordinarily big heart. Every greeting from Irma came with an all-encompassing hug, a huge smile, and a laugh powerful enough to clear away even the greyest skies. Her warmth was immediate and constant. Her love was loud – expressed through never-ending compliments, Sunday check-in calls, and an unwavering support and presence for the people she loved most. Whether cheering on the Purdue University Boilermakers or attending an uncountable number of gymnastic meets, dance performances, and football games, she never failed to make sure her loved ones felt celebrated and cared for. Her purpose was to be everyone’s Oma, who loved fully, deeply, and without hesitation, leaving behind a legacy of unconditional love that will continue to live on in all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, Werner Niederholtmeyer; son, Todd Niederholtmeyer; daughter, Tina (Vincent) Scavo; grandchildren, Julia, Adam (Madison), Elyse, Gianna, Vincent, Samuel, Jacob, and Olivia; great-grandchild, Aria; brother, Karl-Heinz (Laurie) Kroeber.

She was preceded in death by her brother Klaus Kroeber.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 17th 2026, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Covington Memorial Funeral Home, 8408 Covington Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46808. A rosary service will be held prior at 2:30 pm.

Funeral Mass will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 1502 E Wallen Road, Fort Wayne, IN, 46825, on Monday, May 18th 2026, at 11:00 am with one hour of visitation prior. Following mass, there will be a luncheon at St. Vincent Spiritual Center. A private entombment will take place at Covington Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Humane Fort Wayne.

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