Irene Stromberg

Irene Louise Stromberg was born on March 16, 1919 to Charles and Mary (DeSchepper) Veire on a farm near Jasper, Minnesota. As a young girl, she moved with her family to a farm near Trent, South Dakota where she was raised and attended school. Upon completion of her education, she helped on the family farm until she became employed at the OGR Store. A short time later she began working at Gen's Cafe in Jasper and helping with keeping house for Val Heckt's family. On June 1, 1946, she was united in marriage to Kenneth Stromberg at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Jasper. Following their marriage, they lived in Jasper where Irene worked at Sack's Grocery. After her daughter was raised, she became employed at DJ's Cafe and also the Jasper Lanes. Her husband died on October 2, 1995. After his death, she continued to live in Jasper. On February 23, 2022, she became a resident of the Good Samaritan Society in Pipestone where she passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at the age of 105 years.

Irene was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Jasper where she served as President and Treasurer of the Altar Society, Chairman of the International Affairs and a circle leader. For over 30 years, she took care of the church altar linens. She served as President of the American Legion Auxiliary in Jasper. She was an avid bowler for over 62 years and served as President and Secretary of her bowling league. For several years, she was a Girl Scout leader, and she also served as Treasurer of the Jasper Quartz Players. She was a member of the Jasper Senior Citizens; and in 1998, she was named the Outstanding Senior Citizen of Pipestone County. She was also a member of the Jasper Red Rockettes. She enjoyed sewing and quilting, and she sewed the vestments for the priests for many years. She also enjoyed working on crafts, gardening, and bowling. She liked to spend her time playing bridge and pinochle. She especially enjoyed having coffee every morning with her friends. 

She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Pamela Kay (John Michael) Furlong of Canandaigua, New York; three grandsons, Patrick (Bret), Andrew and Michael (Janelle); and two great-grandsons, Jack and Finn. She was preceded in death by her husband; her stillborn son; her parents; one brother, Lloyd Veire; and one sister, Marie Steele.