Irene Steele

Irene M. Steele, 98, of Waukon, IA, died Sunday, May 24, 2020, at her home. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 6th, at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon with Fr. Mark Osterhaus officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Waukon. Friends may call from 9:30 AM until the time of services on Saturday at the church. Martin Funeral Home in Waukon is handling arrangements. Condolences may be sent to Vicki Vick at 2460 State Highway 9, Decorah, IA 52101.

Irene Marie Steele was born December 6, 1921, in Post Township, rural Postville, IA, to Dr. Austin and Johanna "Anna" (Tarrant) Folsom. When Irene was in 5th grade, her family moved to Waukon, IA, and in 1940, she graduated from Waukon High School. On September 10, 1940, Irene married Ralph "Philly" Steele and they raised nine children. Once all the kids had started school, Irene went to work for Montgomery Ward's, Philly's Meat Market, and Impro, all in Waukon; at age 76, she retired.

Very devoted to her faith, Irene was involved with Bible study groups and was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon. She enjoyed watching Antiques Roadshow. During the summer, Irene spent most of her time out in the yard and tending to her beautiful flower gardens. She was meticulous about the upkeep of her gardens and would let you know if you weren't doing something correctly when helping out. Most important to her was spending time with family and she traveled with them to Ireland and Europe, California, New York, and Las Vegas. She loved getting ready for the holidays and cooking Sunday dinners as well.

Irene is survived by her children: Ralph, Jr. (Pat) Steele of Holmen, WI, Ron (Kay) Steele of Wadena, IA, Randy (Theresa) of Roanoke, IN, Ricky (Sheila) Steele of Waukon, Vicki (Mark) Vick of Decorah, IA, and Lori (Dan) Treangen of Waukon; 26 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; son-in-law Bob Kuchenbecker of Prairie du Chien, WI; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Ralph in 1996; son Robert Steele in 1992; two daughters: Ann Kuchenbecker in 2009 and Margie Walker in 2018; granddaughter Renee; grandson Eric; great-granddaughter Emma; three brothers: Lester, Cloy, and John Folsom; and two sisters: Bernice Stilwell and Myrt Folsom.

Irene's granddaughters will serve as honorary casketbearers and her grandsons as casketbearers.