Irene Starzinger

Irene R. Starzinger, 86, of Inverness, Florida, passed away April 8, 2014 at Hospice of Citrus and the Nature Coast in Lecanto.  Irene was born January 10, 1928 to the late John H. Reeder and Minnie Spruell Reeder.  Her career highlights include owning a business, managing traffic for radio and TV stations in the Midwest, and auditing for state and local governments.  She lived for 30 years in Cocoa Beach and was part of the space program, working for Aerojet and Convair.  Irene completed her baccalaureate in Industrial Relations from Florida International College.  She moved to Tampa, FL in 1956 to work for WTVT, where she met her beloved husband, Karl J. Starzinger, marrying on August 9, 1957.  Their Space and Defense work took them throughout the Caribbean and Irene was always game for another adventure.  Her volunteer activities included Tri-State Christian Camp and working with children.  Irene was a member of the First Christian Church.

Survivors include her husband of 56 years, Karl Starzinger of Inverness, FL; son, Erich Starzinger of Marietta, GA; daughter Tanya Davis and her husband Chuck of Hughesville, MD; grandchildren Charles and Jenny Davis of Hughesville, MD; sister Ruby Swinford of Woodward, OK; as well as many extended family members.  Irene was preceded in death by three siblings who died in infancy, and her brothers, Col. John H. Reeder, Jr. (USA, Ret.) and Hobert Reeder.

The family will welcome friends as we gather to remember Irene at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at the First Christian Church of Inverness.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of Citrus and the Nature Coast, P.O. Box 641270, Beverly Hills, FL  34464 in appreciation of their loving and compassionate care.  Heinz Funeral Home & Cremation, Inverness, FL.