Irmgard Marocke

Irmgard Marocke (nee Tews), 96, of Waretown, formerly of Forked River, NJ, passed away peacefully at home on April 17, 2023. She was the beloved wife of late Kurt Marocke (1991), and late Alfred Barsch (1962). She is survived by her four children Wolfgang Barsch (wife Theresa), Detlev Barsch (wife Suzanne), Annedore Emmer (late husband Jim), and Irene Marocke-Norton (husband Patrick). She was Oma to many beautiful grand- and great-grandchildren. She is further survived by her brother in Germany, Gert Tews, and nieces and nephew.

Irmgard was a passionate woman who lived for her family. As a child in Germany during WWII and an escapee from East to West Berlin with her husband Alfred and children in 1953, she grew up a survivor, yet never let her hardships define her, rather empowering her to always grow and build a better life. She bravely immigrated to the United States with Kurt and her children in 1969, and became a proud U.S. citizen. Irmgard, Kurt, and her children worked tirelessly together to build a new life in Forked River, NJ, and thus began The German Butcher Shop. She was very proud to be a member of the Lacey Township community. She prioritized giving back and felt being charitable was not only a duty, but an honor.

Irmgard was the second woman in Germany to receive a Master Butcher license, a true accomplishment for a woman of her time. She taught us confidence, to hold your own, and speak your mind. While she presented a strong outward demeanor, beneath the surface she was a playful, kind soul. Irmgard loved camping. Her hands never stood still, in her free time she enjoyed to cook, crochet, knit, and pursued many productive art projects. She will be dearly missed.

A Celebration of Life in honor of Irmgard will be held at a future date which will be announced through The German Butcher Shop where family and friends can come together to remember her. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.