The Free Press, Mankato, MN

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July 11, 2012

Irene Harriet Brecke

— Irene Harriet Brecke



  Irene Harriet Brecke, age 97 of Waseca, died on Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at the Homestead Hospice House in Owatonna.

  Born on November 24, 1914 in New Richland, Minnesota, she was the 3rd of 11 children born to Hans and Ida (Sandsmark) Johnson.  She was raised on the family farm and helped with her younger siblings.  She was confirmed at Le Sueur River Church in New Richland on June 5, 1930.  Irene graduated from Faribault High School in 1933 and attended teachers training in New Richland in 1934.

  Irene moved to Waseca in 1936 and married Marvel Brecke on November 24, 1936.  She continued with her education from Mankato State College attending night and summer school while teaching until she graduated with a B.S. Degree in Education.  Irene taught a total of 45 years, 24 in rural schools (grades 1-8) and then taught 2nd grade for 21 years at South Side Elementary in Waseca.

  She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Waseca.  She was very active with the church and was a member of the Sewing Club and Church Circle.  She taught Sunday School and Release Time for many years.

  Irene enjoyed watching the MN Twins on TV, embroidering, reading, crossword puzzles, daytime soap-operas, playing cards, dancing, going out to eat, and talking to her friends on the phone.  She also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

  She is survived by her son, Merle (Betty) Brecke of Owatonna; six grandchildren, Denise (Dale) Newland, Danette (Todd) Edwardsen, Deanne Gillen, Bruce (Jill) Carty, Daniel (Pamela) Carty, Karen (Wayne) Lundberg; 12 great-grandchildren, Crystal, Derek, Courtney, Kory, Kalley, Ashley, Dylan, Nathan, Zachary, Landon, Sarah, and Shaun.  She is also survived by one sister, Dorothy (Boyd) Demmer of Faribault; and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Marvel, six brothers, and three sisters.

  Funeral services will be on Friday, July 13, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Grace Lutheran Church in Waseca with Rev. Roger Haug and Rev. Paige Whitney officiating.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.  Burial will follow at Woodville Cemetery in Waseca.

  Memorials are preferred to Grace Lutheran Church, Homestead Hospice House-Owatonna or donors choice.  Kinder-Dennis Home for Funerals in Waseca is handling arrangements.

dennisfuneralhomes.com

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