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October 6, 2008

Irene “Rene” Halverson

Irene “Rene” Halverson, a long time North Mankato resident and owner of Rene’s Beauty Shop, died Sunday, October 5, 2008, at Mankato House from a stroke. She was 88 and lived very happily with her friends at Laurel’s Edge the last two years of her life.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at Belgrade Avenue United Methodist Church in North Mankato. Burial will be in Vernon Center Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour before service at church on Wednesday. Mankato Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Vera Irene Halverson was born on October 13, 1919, to John and Lela (Spence) Halverson in Vernon Center, MN. After graduating from Garden City High School in 1937, she attended Mankato Beauty School with her sister, Noraline. Irene worked as a hair stylist at Brett’s Department Store until she opened her own business, “Rene’s” in downtown Mankato and later in her North Mankato home. She operated this successful business until her retirement. She enjoyed her work and made many lifelong friends at her shop.

Irene credited her father for helping her develop a keen love of softball. She was a great pitcher for the Miller Motors women’s softball team in the 1940’s, although in a recent conversation she admitted shortstop was her favorite position because “that’s where the action is.” Sports participation was a big part of Irene’s life. She also enjoyed bowling and golf. Her other hobbies included dancing, music (Woodchopper’s Ball and Stardust were two favorite tunes) and a love for animals. Her favorite car was her 1964 blue Chevy Impala.

Irene is survived by her sister, Noraline Sundstrom of Garden City; two nieces, Carol (Jeff) Strate of Eden Prairie and Donna Sundstrom of Prior Lake; two nephews, Ken Sundstrom of Garden City and Dave Sundstrom of North Mankato; great-niece, Amy Strate; great-nephew, Alex Strate both of Eden Prairie; cousins from the Spence and Halverson families; and two adopted nephews, Meng Fong Lim of New Prague and Thoo Huat Tan of Mason City, IA, and their families. Irene is also survived by her dear friends in North Mankato and at Laurel’s Edge. Her friends were her great joy in life. Irene was preceded in death by her parents.

Irene’s family thanks the staff at Mankato House and Laurel’s Edge for their tremendous care.

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