Irene Siebrecht, age 95 of Arthur, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 2, 2023, in Lake View. Irene Virginia Russell was born on November 11, 1927, to parents, Claud and Hester (Frederick) Russell in Lake City. She grew up in Sac City and graduated from Sac City High School. As a teenager, Irene worked at a bank in Sac City through the school’s work experience program. She was proud to have been chosen for this position and excelled in her work.
On August 31, 1947, Irene married Merle Siebrecht in the First Christian Church in Sac City. This union was blessed with three daughters: Darla, Diane, and Patty. Together, Merle and Irene raised their family on a farm north of Arthur. Irene quickly became acquainted with living the farm life and became a dedicated and hardworking farm wife. Irene and Merle instilled strong family values and traditions. Formal holiday dinners at their dining table were cherished by all. Irene and Merle attended many family reunions, and it was important to share family heritage with their children.
Irene had a large garden, both tending her beautiful flowers and growing fruits and vegetables. She enjoyed freezing and canning the produce, making jams and jellies, and sharing with friends and neighbors. Her “famous” asparagus patch, started by Irene over 60 years ago, is still producing and continues to be shared.
Irene and Merle were active members of the United Methodist Church in Odebolt, participating in several church organizations. Irene taught Sunday school. She and Merle were leaders in MYF while their daughters were in their teens. They also supported their daughters, attending numerous school activities.
Irene was actively involved in her community as a 4H leader, volunteering her time and service for the Order of Rainbow for Girls, and she was a member of The Order of Eastern Star. Other social groups included her Neighborhood Club.
Irene and Merle were founding members of their Potluck Supper Club. This group of classmates and spouses continued their card club monthly for over 60 years.
Irene was a dedicated, hands-on grandmother to Jennifer. She spent quality time with Jennifer as a young child reading stories, baking, making crafts, going for walks around the farm, enjoying farm animals, finding kittens in the barn, feeding orphaned newborn calves, picking flowers, making mud pies, and having tea in the playhouse. Grandma Irene and Jennifer took lunches to Grandpa Merle when he was working in the field. He stopped, took a break and ate with them to enjoy the treats together.
Both Irene and Merle enjoyed attending auctions. Irene collected costume jewelry, beaded purses, and glassware. Irene researched the value of her vintage and antique finds and sold several pieces. She and Merle took joy and pride restoring several pieces of furniture found at auctions.
Irene hoped to travel with Merle during retirement and with his life cut too short, those plans changed. After Merle passed away, Irene wintered in Texas at a retirement community near Patty and her husband in Ft. Worth. Jennifer knew that Irene’s dream was to visit Hawaii, and in 2002 she made that dream come true.
After a stroke, Jennifer and her family moved in with Irene so that she could remain in her home on the farm. Jarret was a toddler and Jaiden a newborn infant. Irene thoroughly enjoyed being surrounded by their active family, contributing to her recovery. Her granddaughter and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy.
After leaving the farm, she moved to a retirement community near Darla in Clive. In 2021, Irene moved in with Diane in her home in Lake View, where she would spend her final days. Her family would like to thank the Gentiva Hospice team (formerly Kindred Hospice) for providing phenomenal care and support.
Those left to cherish Irene’s memory include her children: Darla Siebrecht of Clive, Iowa, Diane Siebrecht of Lake View, Iowa, and Patty (Jack) Cox of Ft. Worth, Texas; granddaughter, Jennifer Roeder of Lake View, Iowa; great-grandchildren, Jarret and Jaiden Roeder. Other family includes Darla’s step-children: Jamie Eldredge of West Des Moines, Iowa, Kirt (Carol) Eldredge of Spicer, MN, and Molly (Tom) Anderson of Chanhassen, MN; grandchildren: Emma (Sam) Knutson, Will (Kimmy) Eldredge, and Daniel, Eliza, and Ella Anderson; Irene’s sisters-in-law, Joan Siebrecht Grosnickle and Mary Louise Siebrecht; and many nieces and nephews.
Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Merle Siebrecht; her parents, Claud and Hester Russell; siblings: Bernice (Lawrence) Larson, Dean Russell, Floyd (Leona) Russell, Ruth (George) Hartley, Ernest (Helen) Russell, Ina Fern (Everett) McBride, and Wanda (Melvin) Kruskop; Merle’s parents, John Siebrecht, Annie (Kessler) Siebrecht, and Hilma (Olson) Siebrecht; his siblings: Kermit (Jean) Siebrecht, Lloyd (Lois) Siebrecht, Shirley (Lloyd) Rickers, and Robert Siebrecht; son-in-law, Jim Eldredge; step-grandson, Shawn Eldredge; brother-in-law, Richard Grosnickle; and most recently, nephew, James Hartley.
