Irene Spain

Irene Mae Smith, daughter of Thomas and Winnifred (Anglum) Smith, was born August 2, 1922 in Baker Township of Stevens County, Minnesota. She grew up on the family farm south of Chokio, Minnesota, where she attended country school. She continued her education at Alberta High School, graduating in 1940. On November 19, 1941, she was united in marriage to Joseph W. Spain at Assumption Catholic Church in Morris. The couple lived and farmed in the Morris area until 1955, when they moved into Morris. Irene worked at the University of Minnesota Morris as a food service worker for 25 years.



Irene was a member of Assumption Catholic Church in Morris, where she was a member of the Christian Mothers and Daughters of Isabella. She also belonged to a Homemakers Club and Bridge Clubs. She enjoyed playing cards, cooking and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.



Irene died on Wednesday, February 6, 2008 at West Wind Village in Morris, MN, having lived to reach the age of 85 years.



She is survived by one daughter: Bette Friederichs of Chisago City; two sons: James (Marilynn) Spain of Hopkins and Bill (Brenda) Spain of St. Cloud; son-in-law: Lauren Carlson of Chokio; ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband: Joe; daughter: Sandra Carlson; son-in-law: David Friederichs; her parents; four brothers and two sisters.



Pallbearers for the service are Irene's grandchildren: Greg Friederichs, Joe Friederichs, Dan Friederichs, Jeff Friederichs, Nicholas Friederichs, Brett Barker, Danielle Kaiser, Janine Spain, Jessica Levy and Justin Spain. Honorary pallbearers are Irene's great-grandchildren: Nathan Friederichs, Zachary Friederichs, Benet Friederichs, Joshua Friederichs, Lucas Friederichs, Kaitlyn Friederichs, Chelsea Halvorson, Jessica Johnson and Solomon Levy. Deb Mahoney will serve as pianist for the service, with Holly Giese serving as song leader. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.