Irving F. Bare

In Loving Memory of Irvin F. Bare, 76, of Bernville, PA, passed away on April 6, 2025.

Irvin, known to many simply as “Bare,” was a 1968 graduate of Tulpehocken High School. Shortly after graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1968 to 1971 during the Vietnam War. For his service, he received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnam Armed Forces Meritorious Unit Citation Gallantry Cross.

Following his military service, Irvin attended school in Houston, Texas through the Local Plumbers Union, where he became a Master Plumber. He went on to build a successful plumbing business before eventually returning home to Bernville to raise his daughter.

Irvin is survived by his loving daughter, Shanna M. Rauenzahn, wife of Michael Rauenzahn, and their two children, Austin and Sophia Rauenzahn, all of Bernville, PA. He loved the four of them deeply, and they were truly his world.

He is also survived by his siblings Lee Bare, Mary Jane Moyer, and Frank Bare, along with several nieces and nephews.

Irvin was preceded in death by his parents, Irvin R. Bare and Elise A. (Schlappich) Bare, and his sister, Janet Dengler.

Irvin enjoyed the outdoors and many of life’s simple pleasures. He looked forward each year to the annual Rattlesnake Hunt in Morris, Pennsylvania, loved hunting—especially bear hunting—and enjoyed relaxing in his pool. He was dedicated to staying active and took daily walks of two to four miles. In quieter moments, he had a fondness for classic black-and-white Western movies and reading. Above all else, he cherished time spent with his daughter and her family.

Funeral services will be handled by Kirkhoff Funeral Home, with private burial.