Clifford Leo Church

June 22, 2005

Clifford Leo Church, age 87, of Spencer, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, June 1, 2005, at the Longhouse Residence in Spencer.

Funeral services were held on Friday, June 3, at the First Christian Church in Spencer. Reverend Thomas Van Tassell officiated.

Clifford Leo Church, the son of Leo and Ethel Bucknam Church, was born on April 23, 1918 in Osage, Iowa. He received his early education and graduated from the Osage High School. Clifford then continued his education at Iowa State University where he was a member of the Farmhouse Fraternity. He graduated in 1941, with a degree in dairy husbandry. On November 1, 1941, Clifford married Genevieve Bradshaw in Pierson, Iowa. To this union two children were born, Bradley and Hollyce. Clifford entered the U.S. Navy on February 17, 1945 and served his country during WW II until his honorable discharge on March 18, 1946.

He then returned to Osage, Iowa, where he farmed until moving to Spencer, Iowa in 1960. While living in Spencer, Clifford worked at the C-D Farm Service and Spencer Vet Supply. Most recently, Cliff was the custodian at the First Christian Church, where he also served as an Elder and Deacon. Clifford married Virginia Tomford on August 14, 1993 in Spencer, Iowa. Following their marriage, they made their home in Spencer.

Clifford was a member of Golden K and the First Christian Church.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia of Spencer; one son and his wife, Bradley and Janene Church of Fort Dodge, Iowa; one daughter and her husband, Hollyce and Gary Wenschlag of Sioux City, Iowa; two grandchildren, Cole Harvey and Brett Harvey; three step-daughters, Sheri and Robert Williams, Vicki Rice and Lori and Kent Combes; two step-sons, Guy Scott and Cookie Tomford and Kirk and Chris Tomford; 10 step-grandchildren; one brother and his wife, Irving and Vera Church of Newton; one sister and her husband, Carlene and Wilbur Tesch of Osage, Iowa; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his first wife, Genevieve in 1988.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Elsie D. Hyland

June 8, 2005

Elsie D. Hyland, age 88, of Orchard, died on Thursday, June 2, 2005, at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., on Monday, June 6, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Bruce Kaltwasser officiating. Interment was in the Osage Cemetery.

Elsie was born in the rural Charles City area, on February 7, 1917, the daughter of Emil and Martha (Eske) Schallock. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Elsie married Stanley Hyland on October 27, 1935, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar. They lived in Albert Lea from 1935 to 1942. They then moved to Mitchell County, first to the Little Cedar area and later to the Orchard area.

Elsie enjoyed gardening, crocheting and her two pet Pug dogs.

She is survived by a son, Gary Hyland and his wife, Joanne of Orchard; a grandson, Jason Hyland and his wife, Tricia of Waynesboro, Georgia; two sisters, Olga Anderson and her husband, Joseph of Orchard and Leona Warrington of St. Ansgar; and one brother, Lloyd Schallock and his wife, Phyllis of New Haven.

Elsie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Stanley Hyland in 1992; one son, Gerald Hyland; and five brothers, Orville, Lawrence, Lavern, Emil and Clarence Schallock.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Arlynn Mendell

June 15, 2005

Arlynn Mendell, age 75, of rural Boone and formerly of Osage, died on Friday, June 3, 2005, of heart failure at the Boone County Hospital.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 7, at the First United Methodist Church in Boone, where Rev. Jessica Johnston officiated. Burial was in the Linwood Park Cemetery in Boone.

Arlynn was born on January 15, 1930 in Dows, Iowa, the son of Stanley and Gwendoline (Johnson) Mendell. He married Sharon Fink. The couple later divorced. As a youth, he attended school in Jewell. Arlynn attended Grandview College in Des Moines and then graduated in the early 1950's from Iowa State University with a degree in Horticulture. After graduating, he lived in Osage, Iowa and worked for Lundberg's Greenhouse. In 1965, he moved to Boone and was employed at Boesen's Boone Greenhouses for over 25 years. He presently was employed at the Boone Wal-Mart in the garden department. For over 40 years, he delivered the Des Moines Register in rural Boone and Pilot Mound. He taught ballroom dancing for the adult education class at Iowa State University.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Toastmasters, Indian Guides and a dance club.

He is survived by two sons, Steve Mendell and wife, Gwen of Eaton, Colorado and Kevin Mendell of Boone; two daughters, Kimberly Barrett and husband, John and Julie Burge and husband, Mike, all of Boone; his twin sister, Arleta Longnecker and husband, David of Palisade, Colorado; 12 grandchildren, Jennifer Bass, Jason, Nathan and Kylie Barrett, Ryan, Aaron, Rachel, Myles and Mason Mendell and Nicholas, Andrew and Marisa Burge; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Virginia Mendell; and a nephew, David Longnecker.

The Schroeder Memorial Chapel in Boone, Iowa, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Glendale Burton Newhouse

June 22, 2005

Glendale Burton Newhouse, 85, of Emmetsburg, died on Sunday, June 5, 2005, in Emmetsburg, Iowa, after a brief illness.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, June 8, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Estherville. The Reverend Glenn Bohmer officiated. Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Emmetsburg, Iowa.

Glendale Newhouse, son of Onie Mayo and Genevieve (Julius) Newhouse, was born on July 17, 1919 in McIntire, Iowa. He attended school in McIntire graduating from high school in 1936. Glendale was united in marriage to Clarice Joan Shoars. To this union five children were born, Larry, Judith, Paul, Mayo and Denny. In 1942, Glendale was inducted into the United States Navy where he served his country during WW II. He was discharged in 1945 and was always very proud of his years of service.

On January 11, 1953, Glendale was united in marriage to Norma Hanson in Palmer, Iowa. Five children were born to this union, Glen, Norma, Bill, Craig and Lori. Glendale and Norma made their home in Palo Alto County where Glendale farmed for many years. After leaving the farm he was employed at the Ruthven Coop for 10 years. He enjoyed working and continued to do various jobs throughout his retirement.

Glendale was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Estherville. He served on various civic and agriculturally related organizations and boards.

His survivors include his children, Larry and Barbara Newhouse of Oregon, Wisconsin, Judith Spragle of Waverly, Iowa and special friend, Dennis Dahlstrom, Paul and Lorna Newhouse of Marion, Iowa, Mayo Smith Newhouse of Blanco, Texas and Denny Lynn Newhouse of New Mexico, Glen and Valerie Newhouse of Emmetsburg, Iowa, Norma and Jerry Holmgaard of Soldatna, Arkansas, Bill and Ruth Newhouse of Whittemore, Iowa, Craig and Judy Newhouse of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Lori and Ben Arndt of Canton, Michigan; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; three sisters, Maxine Davis and Darlene Tate, both of Turner Falls, Massachusetts and Audrey Ohlman and her husband, Ronald of Riceville, Iowa; a brother, William Newhouse and his wife, Shirley of Osage, Iowa; as well as many other relatives.

Preceding him in death were his parents; wife, Norma; and three brothers, Leslie, Paul and Darrell Newhouse.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Jeffrey Zelinske

June 22, 2005

Jeff Zelinske, 47, died on Thursday, June 9, 2005, in Goodhue County, Minnesota.

Funeral services were held on Monday, June 13, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Hayfield. The Reverend Stephan Sandness officiated. Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Mantorville, Minnesota.

Jeffrey Zelinske, was born on March 15, 1958 in Rochester, Minnesota, the son of Stanley and Eleanor (Olive) Zelinske. He grew up in the West Concord area and graduated from the Kasson High School in 1976. Jeffrey was united in marriage to Kathy Donahue on November 8, 1980 in Kasson, Minnesota. He farmed for many years in the West Concord area. Jeffrey and Kathy moved in Hayfield in 1991. Jeffrey started a roofing business in 1996.

His survivors include his wife, Kathy (Donahue) Zelinske of Hayfield, Minnesota; one daughter, Kara (Jim O'Connor) Zelinske of Sanford, North Carolina; three sons, JayDe Zelinske, Keefe Zelinske and Jacoby Zelinske, all of Hayfield, Minnesota; three grandchildren; and three brothers.

Preceding Jeffrey in death were his son, Kit Zelinske; and his grandparents.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Frank Allen Watson

June 15, 2005

Frank Allen Watson, 101, of Riceville and a former resident of Saratoga, passed away on Saturday, June 11, 2005, at the Riceville Community Rest Home.

A Mass of Resurrection was held on Tuesday, June 14, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Riceville. The Reverend Ray E. Atwood officiated. Burial was in the Calvary Cemetery in Riceville.

Frank Allen Watson, was born on June 24, 1903 near Saratoga, Iowa, on the family farm to Howard C. Watson and Sarah Seavy Watson. He married Bernice Jones on June 15, 1927, at the St. Stephen's Catholic Church in Chester, Iowa. Bernice passed away in March of 1951. Frank was a farmer and raised shorthorn cattle. He was a township assessor many years, clerk for the Saratoga Cemetery and director for the Saratoga No. 8 School. He moved to the Riceville Rest Home in 1995.

Watson enjoyed hunting, fishing, flowers and his family and grandchildren. Sharing his life experiences was important to him. He was a member of the St. Stephen's Catholic Church in Chester.

He is survived by two daughters, Elaine Jacobson of Cresco and Shirley Sizer of Waterloo; a son, Carrol (Evelyn) Watson of Lime Springs; 12 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and two brothers, Ben and infant Clark; and one infant grandson.

The Lindstrom Funeral Home, Riceville, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Palmer Birkedal

June 22, 2005

Palmer Birkedal, age 86, of rural Osage, died on Monday, June 13, 2005, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage, of cancer.

Funeral services were held on Friday, June 17, at the Rock Creek Lutheran Church, with Rev. R. Dawson Tornes officiating. Burial was in the Rock Creek Cemetery.

Palmer was born on May 5, 1919 in Dunn County, North Dakota, the son of Peter and Sara (Motland) Birkedal. He moved to the Mitchell County area with his family as a youth. He attended school in Otranto and graduated from the Plymouth High School. Palmer served in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II. He attended St. Olaf College, returning to the family farm, where he lived until the time of his death. Palmer was united in marriage to Alice Turner on December 11, 1949, at Independence, Iowa.

He was a long time member of the Rock Creek Lutheran Church. Palmer enjoyed pitching horseshoes and bowling, and bowled a game of 186 three weeks before his death. He greatly enjoyed his grandchildren and following their activities.

Palmer is survived by a daughter, Nina Bates and husband, Rev. John Bates of rural Rudd; four sons, Rev. Paul Birkedal and wife, Karen of Viroqua, Wisconsin, Mark Birkedal and wife, Char of Nora Springs, Philip Birkedal and wife, Julie of Mason City and Dr. John Birkedal and wife, Mary Lynn of Lewisville, North Carolina; 13 grandchildren, Matthew and Allison Bates, Sarah, Rachel and Nathan Birkedal, Brian, Scott and Eric Birkedal, Clare and David Birkedal, Ashley, Shelby and Ryan Birkedal; and two sisters, Marie Field of San Gabriel, California and Margaret Luttio and husband, Rev. Philip Luttio of San Pedro, California.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Alice Birkedal in 1996; an infant son, David; and a brother-in-law, John Field.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Marilea Christensen

July 13, 2005

Marilea Christensen, of Royal, Iowa, died on Friday, June 17, 2005, as the result of a motor vehicle accident.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 21, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Royal. The Reverend Gary Panko officiated. Interment was in the Willow Creek Cemetery, Royal.

Marilea Christensen, the daughter of Wesley and LaVonne Eggleston, was born on October 16, 1930 in St. Ansgar, Iowa. Her childhood years were spent in that community. She was an active child, involved in many school activities, but her claim to fame was being part of a national award winning trumpet trio. Her musical talents followed her to Iowa State Teacher's College in Cedar Falls, Iowa, where she toured with the college band and earned her teaching degree. Marilea accepted her first teaching position as a third grade teacher in the Royal Community School District. Soon after arriving, she was introduced to Russ Christensen and they were married on July 8, 1951. This began a strong and lifelong farming partnership. To this union three children were born, Jane, Sue and Jim.

Mary was very active in her church and her community. Her greatest gifts were her gentle leadership, her organizational skills and her genuine interest in the lives of those around her.

Her survivors are her husband, Russ Christensen of Royal; two daughters, Jane Kruse and her husband, David of Spencer and Sue Brugman and her husband, David of Royal; one son, Jim and his wife, Julie of Royal; 10 grandchildren, Megan Kruse-Ingledue, Matt Kruse and Molly Kruse, Betsy, B. J. and Laura Brugman, Jennifer, Anne, Lee and Wesley Christensen; one great-granddaughter, Alynn Ingledue; and one sister, Beverly Koster of Blair, Nebraska.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; and a step-mother, Ruth Bauer.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Warner Funeral Home, Spencer, Iowa.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Lucille Marie Adams

June 29, 2005

Lucille Marie Adams, 74, of Riceville, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, June 19, 2005, at the Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

A Mass of Resurrection was held on Thursday, June 23, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Riceville. Reverend Ray Atwood officiated. Burial was in the Calvary Cemetery in Riceville.

Lucille, daughter of Aloysius (Loy) and Romel (Kiefer) Reicherts, was born on September 17, 1931 in Riceville, Iowa. She graduated from the Riceville High School and the Mason City Junior College. She was united in marriage to Alex Adams on March 27, 1951 in New Haven, Iowa. Lucille helped her husband with farming, was a country school teacher and a homemaker. She was a religion teacher and Director of Religious Education at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Lucille was also active in St. Rita's Study Club and St. Anne's Rosary Society.

She was a member of the Retired Teacher's Association, American Legion Auxiliary and Avon President's Club. Lucille enjoyed spending time with family, friends and Avon customers. She will be missed by all.

Her survivors include her husband, Alex of Riceville; two sons, Rick and his wife, Catherine and Gary and his wife, Sharon, all of Riceville; two daughters, Sheryl and her husband, Tim Noble and Debra and her husband, Larry Moore, all of Riceville; 14 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Lucille was preceded in death by her parents; and two sisters, Delphine Mitchell and Patty Hemann.

The Lindstrom Funeral Home, Riceville, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Eunice Sorlien Chomicz

July 6, 2005

Eunice Sorlien Chomicz, age 63, died on Sunday, June 19, 2005, in Chicago, Illinois, after a short battle with cancer.

Funeral services were held in Hesper, Iowa, on Wednesday, June 22. Pastor Paul Sorlien officiated. Interment was in the Hesper Lutheran Cemetery. A memorial service for Eunice was also held at the St. Barnabas Church in Chicago, on Tuesday, June 28, 2005.

Eunice Sorlien Chomicz, was born on July 27, 1941, to Rev. and Mrs. S. O. Sorlien. She lived in Rake, Decorah and Osage, Iowa; Hayward and Crystal Lake, Minnesota. She attended Luther College one year, the University of Minnesota one year and the Minnesota Art Institute. She married Tom Chomicz in 1963 and they lived in St. Paul, Minnesota, while Tom completed his law degree. In 1969, they moved to Chicago where he began his law career.

As she was a stay at home mother for her six children, she did volunteer work at the St. Ignatius College Prep School for 20 years. She was given the Golden Rose Award, the highest honor for volunteers. She volunteered in the City of Chicago's Alternative Policing Strategy where she coordinated the CAPS program with the 22nd District Chicago Police Commander. She became the chairperson of the Court Watch program, arranging for volunteers to attend court proceedings in support of various victims of crimes.

In 1997, the Chicago Province Jesuits asked her to serve as copy editor, writer, photographer and managing editor of the Jesuit Magazine. She managed freelance writers and photographers and worked with the design team. She was a patron of the arts and theater, supporting the Beverly Art Center as well as a member of the Beverly Area Planning Association. Just prior to cancer diagnosis, she had accepted a position on the Development Advisory Council of the Chicago Province Jesuits.

She is survived by her husband, Tom Chomicz; children, Susan of Dallas, Texas, Tony of Chicago, Illinois, Carrie of St. Paul, Minnesota, Leslie of San Diego, California, John (Lynne) of Chicago, Illinois and Elisabeth of Chicago, Illinois; brothers, John (Ann) Sorlien of Portland, Oregon and Pastor Paul (Sandra) Sorlien of Underwood, Iowa; sisters, Naomi (Leroy) Jasmer, Grace (Norbert) Johnson of St. Ansgar, Iowa, Ruth (Red) Larson of Austin, Minnesota and Lois Fossen of Minnetonka, Minnesota.

Preceding Eunice in death were her parents and parents-in-law.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Marshall Kathan

July 13, 2005

Marshall Kathan, passed away on Sunday, June 19, 2005.

Graveside services were held in the National Cemetery in Santa Fe on Wednesday, June 22, 2005.

Marshall Kathan, was born on June 1, 1906 in Osage, Iowa, to Charles and Emma Kathan. He had been a resident of Albuquerque for 32 years since his retirement. Marshall was a 1924 graduate of the Osage High School, was a graduate of Iowa State Teachers College and later attended the National Academy of Art in Chicago, the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, DC and studied in Paris for one year.

Marshall was a WW II veteran, having achieved the rank of Captain in the U.S. Army. His career in art involved stage sets and costume drawing and he spent many years working for the Government as an art illustrator for the U.S. Weather Bureau and the Dept. of Labor as a technical illustrator.

His survivors include a niece, Colleen Gast and a nephew, Gregory Kathan of Iowa; many grandnieces and grandnephews; and also by his close friends, Ray and Millie Miller of Albuquerque.

Preceding Maurice in death were his parents; a brother, Maurice Kathan; and sister, Grace Shumate.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Norman P. "Bud" Leinenkugel

June 29, 2005

Norman P. "Bud" Leinenkugel, age 90, of New Haven, was called home to the Lord on Monday, June 20, 2005, at the Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa, surrounded by his loved ones.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, June 24, at the St. Peter's Catholic Church in New Haven, with Rev. Ray E. Atwood officiating. Burial was in the St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery in New Haven, with a flag presentation by the Osage American Legion Post 278.

Bud was born on August 11, 1914 in Sauk City, Wisconsin, the son of Paul and Amelia "Molly" (Jahnel) Leinenkugel. He was raised in Sauk City and after high school attended the University of Wisconsin. He joined the U.S. Army during World War II in officer training and served as a lieutenant, using his fluent German in work with the German POWs. After the war, he worked briefly in Chicago, where he became an avid Chicago White Sox fan. Bud moved to New Haven in 1945 and purchased the New Haven Hardware from Leo Lockwood. He met Mary Jane Fox on a blind date and they were married on November 25, 1948, at the St. Mary's Chapel in New Haven.

Bud and Mary Jane ran the New Haven Hardware for over 50 years until Bud's retirement at age 84. They raised eight children in New Haven and had 55 years together as members of the St. Peter's Parish before Mary Jane's death in 2004, after which Bud moved to the Des Moines area. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing cards and watching sporting events.

Bud is survived by his children, Joseph Leinenkugel of Des Moines; Mary Anne Leinenkugel of Osage; John (Kathy) Leinenkugel of Omaha, Nebraska and son, John Lubbers of Prescott, Arizona; Therese (Tim) Rolfes of Johnston and children, Rachel and Grant; Rose (Tom) Hagemann of Ankeny and children, David and Annie; Paul (Cindi) Leinenkugel of Hemet, California and children, Amber, Lindsey and Garrett Darnell; and James Leinenkugel of Clive; as well as Bud's cousin, Louella Cork of Sauk City, Wisconsin; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary Jane in 2004; a son, Thomas in 1976; and a sister, Florence Rothman in 1989.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

S. Merrill Kelley

June 29, 2005

S. Merrill Kelley, 88, of Osage, died on Saturday, June 25, 2005, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center-Hospice Unit in Osage.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, July 1, at the First United Methodist Church in Osage, with Rev. Dr. J. Samuel Subramanian and Lay Pastor Gary Gilbert officiating. A time of fellowship with friends and family will follow the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the First United Methodist Church, the Hospice of North Iowa or the donor's choice.

Merrill was born on October 11, 1916 in Osage, the son of Benjamin "Frank" and Ellen (Bohl) Kelley. He attended school in Osage and graduated from the Osage High School in 1933. Merrill was united in marriage to Helene Tyrrell on June 14, 1936 in Osage. She died in 1945. Merrill served in World War II with the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment from 1944 to 1945. Merrill was united in marriage to Bernice Burns on January 1, 1947 in Oelwein. Bernice died in 2002. Merrill owned and operated Kelley's Stand, a produce market, from 1950 to 1961. He owned and operated Kelley's Realty for many years. He worked for the Osage Chamber of Commerce and was a manager at the Sunny Brae Golf Course.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Osage, the Osage Chamber of Commerce, Osage Rotary Club and the Sunny Brae Country Club and Golf Course. Merrill was also a life member of the Osage American Legion Post 278 and served on the Osage City Council. Many children in Osage referred to him as "grandpa." One of his hobbies was golf, and he was a golf instructor at NIACC for several years and taught a number of people in the area how to golf.

He enjoyed writing, and for many years he wrote a weekly article called "Readers of the Fine Print" for the Mitchell County Press-News. Later in life, Merrill would winter in San Diego and while there he was employed as a taxicab driver.

He is survived by a daughter, Margery Johnsten and husband, Richard of Great Falls, Montana; a son, Merrill F. "Skip" Kelley and wife, Dee Dee of San Diego, California; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Merrill was preceded in death by his parents; two wives; and a brother, Maurice Francis Kelley.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Irene J. Quinn

July 6, 2005

Irene Quinn, 73, of Riceville, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, June 28, 2005, at the Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, after a 15-year battle with cancer.

A Mass of Resurrection was held on Friday, July 1, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Riceville. Reverend Ray E. Atwood officiated. Burial was in the Calvary Cemetery in Riceville.

Irene Quinn, was born on June 18, 1932, at Pettibone, Kidder County, North Dakota. She was the youngest of five children born to Harry Milo Morse and Rose Roenna Neubauer Morse. Irene was affectionately called Tudy Morse by her family and friends in her younger years. The family left North Dakota in the late 30's and settled in LeRoy, Minnesota, where she attended school and graduated from LeRoy Public in 1949. After graduation she moved to Waterloo, Iowa, where she was employed at the offices of Rath Packing Co. She married Bernard Quinn in Waterloo, Iowa on November 17, 1951. To this union one child was born, son Dan J. While Bernard was in the service they lived on Long Island, New York and at Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

After their return from the service they settled in Riceville, Iowa, where Irene was employed by the Riceville Veterinary Service for 32 years under many different veterinarians. From 1989 to 1997, Irene was affiliated with the Redman Inn in McIntire, Iowa, first as co-owner then owner. During this time she developed lasting friendships with many local and area people. From 1998 to 2001, Irene was employed as clerk for the LeRoy Municipal Liquor store, LeRoy, Minnesota. In 2001, she started cashiering at Andy's Mini Mart in Riceville, until the time of her death.

Irene spent her life devoted to her only child, son Dan J. and only grandchild, grandson Chad J. She loved the phrase Quinn's 3. Irene wanted to be remembered by the phrase "I did the best I could." Irene will be remembered for her collection of pendant watches and was rarely seen without one. Irene enjoyed crocheting afghans. She was also an avid reader and had collected a library of hard cover books.

She is survived by her grandson, Chad J.; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Irene in death were her parents; her husband, Bernard in 1987; son, Dan J. in 2001; brothers, Wesley, Harold and Wayne; and her only sister, Lorraine.

The Lindstrom Funeral Home, Riceville, had charge of the arrangements.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press