Otto Claire Ihringer

Otto Claire Ihringer (Claire), 100 years old, of Fargo, ND died peacefully Friday morning, December 21, 2018 at Bethany Retirement Living Home on 42nd, in Fargo, ND. Claire Ihringer was born on August 26, 1918 to Otto and Theresa (Zwick) Ihringer in Bordulac, ND. Claire lived and attended school in Bordulac, North Dakota. After high school, he attended college for two (2) years in Wahpeton, ND where he studied radio communication. On October 14, 1940 he enlisted in the US Army Air Corps. He completed his basic training at Fort Snelling in Minnesota. After basic training, he was transferred to Hamilton Field in California. During WWII he was a radio operator stationed on Christmas Island and at Hickam Field in Hawaii. He flew on B17’s transporting troops in the South Pacific. While in the service he joined and played the saxophone in the U.S. Army band. After being discharged from the Army Air Corps, Claire moved back to Bordulac, ND. He helped his father (Ole) run the local garage and bulk oil service company. On September 18, 1947, Claire married the love of his life, Delores May Krenz, in Carrington, ND where they resided for 29 years and raised their five (5) children. He often referred to his children of 4 boys and a girl as “4 Jacks & a Queen.” While in Carrington, Claire and Delores owned and operated many businesses, including rental properties, the Del-Claire Motel, Rainbow Gardens Ballroom, Garrison Redi-Mix, Underwood Redi-Mix and Washburn Red-Mix. While he and Delores owned the Rainbow Garden Ballroom, he booked many big bands and well-known entertainers, including Louis Armstrong, Jimmy Dorsey, Conway Twitty, Freddie Fender, Duke Ellington, Jan Garber, Billy May, The Unbelievable Uglies, The Fabulous Flippers and the Lost Cause. Claire and Delores were also involved with the KDAK Radio Station, the Fireside Inn Steakhouse and Lounge and Sportsman Supper Club, all in Carrington, ND. He also started Ihringer Building Service based in Carrington. In 1976, they moved to Underwood, ND where they owned and operated the Underwood Bottle Shop and the Black Nugget Lounge until their retirement in 1993. They also worked for the Corps of Engineers maintaining campsites on Lake Sakakawea while living in the Underwood area. In 1994, Claire and Delores moved to Fargo to be near their family. While in Fargo, Claire and Delores were active as volunteers at the VA Hospital. Claire worked there as a volunteer for over 15 years. Claire lived in his Fargo home until he moved to Edgewood Vista in 2014 and then moved to Bethany Retirement Living Home on 42nd in Fargo the past 2½ years. Claire was an entrepreneur and a risk taker. He was never afraid of starting a new business venture. The “cup was always half full”. He loved music, dancing and playing his saxophone. He played in the small “German Band” while in Carrington. Claire played and sang his favorite song, “Sheik of Araby” at his 100th birthday celebration in August 2018 at Bethany. His favorite dance song was “Kansas City” and he and Delores must have danced to that song 100’s of times. They always requested it to be played whenever they went out. Claire will be deeply missed by his family, his last surviving brother, John, and many friends. Claire is survived by his four sons, Tom (Becky), Gerry, Mike of Fargo, and Kim of Crookston, MN ; one daughter, Patty (Mike) Evans of Fargo, ND; nine (9) grandchildren: Brent (Lisa) , Michelle, Matthew, Jessica, Kelsey (Christlieb) and Brian Ihringer, Justin, Nicholas and Scott Evans; and nine (9) great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Delores, on May 20, 2005, his parents, two (2) brothers Lynn and Al and his sister Barbara. He is survived by one brother, John Ihringer of Bordulac, ND. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday December 26 at the Bethany Retirement Living Home on 42nd, in Fargo, ND. A burial ceremony will be 11:00 AM, Thursday December 27 at the Carrington Cemetery.