1925
Irene
2015
Irene Monroe
October 20, 1925 — March 14, 2015
Memorial services for Irene Monroe of Starbuck will be held Saturday, March 21, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Morris. Reverend Donald Berheim and Pastoral Intern Chris Richards will be officiating. Visitation will be held Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at the Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris and for one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday. Burial will be in Summit Cemetery in Morris.
Irene Delores Croom, daughter of George and Abigail (Hubbard) Croom, was born on October 20, 1925 in Morris, MN. She attended and graduated from Hancock High School in 1943. After her graduation she started working at Morris State Bank, and later worked at Monroe Business Services where she met Walter Monroe. While being engaged to Walter, Irene began working at Monroe Photos and continued working side by side with Walt for over 40 years. She was well known for her rare skill of oil coloring black and white photographs making them into color portraits. On October 17, 1954, she was united in marriage to Walter Monroe. To this union three children were born: Anita, Nadine, and Allen. Once her children were in school, Irene continued her education at the University of Minnesota, Morris. She graduated in 1974 with a BA in Studio Art and Art History, and her K-12 teacher's license. Following her schooling, Irene became an art teacher in Graceville. After a couple of years, she began substitute teaching in the Appleton school district. Irene also worked as a secretary for the Morris Area Chamber of Commerce, and later became the Executive Vice President (EVP) for 8 years. Irene finished her teaching career in the Herman-Norcross school district, retiring in 1986.
When Walter became ill that year she took care of him and started managing Monroe Photos. In the spring of 1987, Walter passed away. Irene retired from Monroe Photos in 1991, and spent her spare time driving the airport shuttle for a few years. She moved into Heritage Apartments in 1993, and officially retired the following year. In the fall of 2005, Irene moved into the Minnewaska Lutheran Home where she resided until her passing.
She was a member of First Lutheran Church and was a lifetime member of the Legion Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary, Order of Eastern Star, and the Minnesota Professional Photographers Association. Irene was also an active 4-H member and adult leader, a Girl Scout Leader and active with the American Cancer Society. She was an avid knitter, a history buff, and loved spending time with her grandchildren.
Irene died on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at the Minnewaska Lutheran Home in Starbuck, Minnesota. She lived to reach 89 years.
She is survived by three children: Anita (James) Stoker of La Cañada Flintridge, CA, Nadine (Robert) Heck of Morris, and Allen (Julie) Monroe of Morris; 8 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; three nieces; and two nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; two brothers: Herbert and Howard; and one granddaughter: Laura Monroe.
In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials to the Minnewaska Lutheran Home or First Lutheran Church.
Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.
Irene Delores Croom, daughter of George and Abigail (Hubbard) Croom, was born on October 20, 1925 in Morris, MN. She attended and graduated from Hancock High School in 1943. After her graduation she started working at Morris State Bank, and later worked at Monroe Business Services where she met Walter Monroe. While being engaged to Walter, Irene began working at Monroe Photos and continued working side by side with Walt for over 40 years. She was well known for her rare skill of oil coloring black and white photographs making them into color portraits. On October 17, 1954, she was united in marriage to Walter Monroe. To this union three children were born: Anita, Nadine, and Allen. Once her children were in school, Irene continued her education at the University of Minnesota, Morris. She graduated in 1974 with a BA in Studio Art and Art History, and her K-12 teacher's license. Following her schooling, Irene became an art teacher in Graceville. After a couple of years, she began substitute teaching in the Appleton school district. Irene also worked as a secretary for the Morris Area Chamber of Commerce, and later became the Executive Vice President (EVP) for 8 years. Irene finished her teaching career in the Herman-Norcross school district, retiring in 1986.
When Walter became ill that year she took care of him and started managing Monroe Photos. In the spring of 1987, Walter passed away. Irene retired from Monroe Photos in 1991, and spent her spare time driving the airport shuttle for a few years. She moved into Heritage Apartments in 1993, and officially retired the following year. In the fall of 2005, Irene moved into the Minnewaska Lutheran Home where she resided until her passing.
She was a member of First Lutheran Church and was a lifetime member of the Legion Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary, Order of Eastern Star, and the Minnesota Professional Photographers Association. Irene was also an active 4-H member and adult leader, a Girl Scout Leader and active with the American Cancer Society. She was an avid knitter, a history buff, and loved spending time with her grandchildren.
Irene died on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at the Minnewaska Lutheran Home in Starbuck, Minnesota. She lived to reach 89 years.
She is survived by three children: Anita (James) Stoker of La Cañada Flintridge, CA, Nadine (Robert) Heck of Morris, and Allen (Julie) Monroe of Morris; 8 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; three nieces; and two nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; two brothers: Herbert and Howard; and one granddaughter: Laura Monroe.
In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials to the Minnewaska Lutheran Home or First Lutheran Church.
Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.
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