Irene Raths

Mass of Christian Burial for Irene Raths of Morris, MN will be held Friday, November 22, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at Assumption Catholic Church in Morris, with celebrant Father Todd Schneider officiating. Visitation will be held Thursday, November 21, 2019 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris and for one hour prior to services at the church on Friday. Rosary will take place at the funeral home on Thursday at 4:15 p.m. with a prayer service to immediately follow. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Morris, MN.

Irene Ann Braun, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Holland) Braun, was born November 16, 1923 in rural Donnelly, Minnesota. She attended grade school in Stevens County District 96. Irene was married to Leo Raths on September 9, 1947 at the St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Donnelly. This union was blessed with twin boys, David and Donald, followed by Richard, Robert and Mark.

Irene’s life revolved around her family. Her bold personality kept her boys in line, and her caring heart let them know that they were loved. Leo and the boys could come in the house after a long day’s work on the farm to fresh homemade bread and her famous “no fail” chocolate cupcakes, chocolate chip cookies and donuts for dessert. Many over the years including grandkids and friends, would call out her nickname Rosie! And she would turn her head and smile. Irene and Leo spent many nights dancing around the dance floor at Lakeside, a tradition that was passed onto their children as they matured into adulthood and got married. In her quiet time, she spent hours ironing everything and embroidering dish clothes, a talent she shared with many. Her grandkids and great-grandkids brought a twinkle to her eyes, as she chased and cheered them on. Irene has been faithful in her daily prayers of the Rosary and her friendships with family and friends. Her spunky, caring personality will be deeply missed.

Irene “Rosie” Raths passed away at the age of 96 at the West Wind Village in Morris on Tuesday, November 19, 2019, She was welcomed in heaven by her husband, Leo; parents, granddaughters, Lori Raths and Caroline Raths; great-granddaughter, Hadley Knabe; brothers, Willard (Gen), William, James and Donald Braun; sisters, Agnes (Lawrence) Kopel, Margaret (Edward) Miller; brothers-in-law, Marcellus Raths, Emil (Cecil) Rath, Rudy (Shirley) Raths; sisters-in-law, Margaret (Henry) Wirtjes, Leona (Lloyd) Stowe, Emma (Les) Asmus, Elsie (Roy) Lesmeister; infant siblings, Joseph and Joan.

She is survived by her children, David (Jan) Raths of Hancock, Donald (Barb) Raths of Starbuck, Richard (Mary Lee) Raths of Morris, Robert (LeAnn) Raths of Fergus Falls, Mark (Michelle) Raths of Morris; 17 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements. To send condolences to the family please visit www.pedersenfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Assumption Catholic Church.