1915
Irene
2014
Irene Merz
May 12, 1915 — March 11, 2014
Irene Merz, 98, of Fergus Falls, died Tuesday, March 11, 2014, at Broen Home, Fergus Falls.
Irene Marcella Libbey was born on May 12, 1915 at Wright Hospital in Fergus Falls, the daughter of Herbert Josiah and Annie Marie (Pederson) Libbey. Irene's parents owned a grocery store on Alcott, where Irene worked in her younger years. In 1933, Irene graduated from Fergus Falls High School. Following graduation, Irene went to work for a lawyer in Fergus Falls.
On September 20, 1940, Irene married Lawrence Merz.
Affectionately known as the "potato lady", Irene could most often be found selling potatoes from the warehouse on the families potato farm. As a homemaker, Irene was also very active in the home, community, and at church.
In her spare time, Irene enjoyed embroidery, card games, and crossword puzzles.
Irene was a member of First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, Eagle's Auxiliary, Senior Citizen Center, River Bend Club, Daughter of the American Revolution, and was honored for being a loving friend and companion to many local residents. Most important to Irene was her family. She especially enjoyed gathering for family reunions and birthday celebrations.
Irene is survived by her son, Glen of Fergus Falls; three grandchildren, Wayne (Shiela) of Rothsay, Daniel of Lafayette, Louisiana, and Laura (Terry) Penner of Moorhead; two great-grandchildren, Sasha (Kenny) Riley and Mitchell; two great-great-grandchildren, Kalen and Eden; a daughter-in-law, Ruth Merz of Breckenridge; and a foster daughter, Deb (Randy) Irmen of Fergus Falls.
In addition to her parents, Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence; an infant son; and one sister.
Memorials preferred to the United Service Organization (USO) P.O. Box 96860, Washington, DC 20077-7677, or an organization of the donor's choice.
Funeral Service: 2 PM Thursday, March 27, 2014, at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home Fergus Falls, with visitation beginning at 12 PM until the time of the service.
Clergy: Rev. Jennifer Rose
Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery, Fergus Falls
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls
Condolences: GlendeNilson.com
Irene Marcella Libbey was born on May 12, 1915 at Wright Hospital in Fergus Falls, the daughter of Herbert Josiah and Annie Marie (Pederson) Libbey. Irene's parents owned a grocery store on Alcott, where Irene worked in her younger years. In 1933, Irene graduated from Fergus Falls High School. Following graduation, Irene went to work for a lawyer in Fergus Falls.
On September 20, 1940, Irene married Lawrence Merz.
Affectionately known as the "potato lady", Irene could most often be found selling potatoes from the warehouse on the families potato farm. As a homemaker, Irene was also very active in the home, community, and at church.
In her spare time, Irene enjoyed embroidery, card games, and crossword puzzles.
Irene was a member of First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, Eagle's Auxiliary, Senior Citizen Center, River Bend Club, Daughter of the American Revolution, and was honored for being a loving friend and companion to many local residents. Most important to Irene was her family. She especially enjoyed gathering for family reunions and birthday celebrations.
Irene is survived by her son, Glen of Fergus Falls; three grandchildren, Wayne (Shiela) of Rothsay, Daniel of Lafayette, Louisiana, and Laura (Terry) Penner of Moorhead; two great-grandchildren, Sasha (Kenny) Riley and Mitchell; two great-great-grandchildren, Kalen and Eden; a daughter-in-law, Ruth Merz of Breckenridge; and a foster daughter, Deb (Randy) Irmen of Fergus Falls.
In addition to her parents, Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence; an infant son; and one sister.
Memorials preferred to the United Service Organization (USO) P.O. Box 96860, Washington, DC 20077-7677, or an organization of the donor's choice.
Funeral Service: 2 PM Thursday, March 27, 2014, at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home Fergus Falls, with visitation beginning at 12 PM until the time of the service.
Clergy: Rev. Jennifer Rose
Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery, Fergus Falls
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls
Condolences: GlendeNilson.com
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