Obituaries

Irmgard Brenda Cunningham passed away at the age of 87 years old on July 9, 2024. Irmgard was born on September 24, 1936 in Darmstadt, Germany to Margarete and August Luft.

Irmgard was preceded in death by her parents, her oldest daughter Cathy Cunningham and by her youngest daughter Annette I Cunningham. Also preceding her in death were her older and youngest brothers, Ludwig Luft and Werner Luft and her younger sister, Erika Bruening.

Irmgard originally lived in Darmstadt, Germany until she and her family were bombed out of their home during World War II. They moved to Gross Zimmern, Germany after the bombing when she was 7 years old. Her father was called to the Russian front and passed away at war. As the oldest daughter, Irmgard helped her mother in taking care of her siblings and their home. At the age of 14 years old, she was the primary caregiver for her youngest sister, Gisela, while her mother worked to support the family. Irmgard became a nurse as an adult, working in a women’s hospital. She married Robert C. Cunningham on January 7, 1959, in Darmstadt. They were married 65 ½ years. Robert was in the Army and Irmgard moved to the US in 1960. She was a very supportive Army Wife during Robert’s military career (30 years). Irmgard became a US Citizen on July 17, 1964, after her youngest daughter was born in Denver, Colorado. Irmgard was a dedicated mother to both Susan D. Carpenter and Annette I. Cunningham. She had lost Cathy at birth. Irmgard was able to return to Germany during her husband’s career and was able to visit with her beloved family. Robert retired from the Army in 1985 and returned to the United States moving to Washington State. After several subsequent moves, they moved to their permanent residence in Madison, Wisconsin.

Irmgard is survived by her beloved husband Robert, her oldest daughter Susan Carpenter (Mike), her grandchildren JR Carpenter (Samantha), Chad Carpenter (Brittney), Samantha (Dustin) Opp, Jessica Newton, Christopher Cunningham, and Cody Carpenter. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren Troy Carpenter, Chris Carpenter, Caden Anderson, Molly Carpenter, Michael Carpenter, Eva Opp, Elena Opp, and Arianna Newton. She is also survived by her youngest sister Gisela (Gary) Moon and her closest, long-time friend Hannalore Czerwensky.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.