Irene Jasken

Irene Jasken, age 90, of Ogema, Minnesota, died Thursday, January 24, 2008 at Emmanuel Nursing Home in Detroit Lakes. Irene Florence Brunner was born to George and Anna (Wirtz) Brunner on May 28, 1917 near Callaway, Minnesota, where she attended grade school. She graduated from Detroit Lakes High School and Moorhead State Teachers College. After teaching for 5 years in rural schools and in Bejou, Minnesota, she married George Jasken in October, 1941. They farmed near Ogema, raising a family of five. When a shortage of teachers occurred in 1964, she was asked to return to the classroom. Attending Moorhead State College on Saturdays and weekday evenings, she renewed her teaching certificate. After teaching 20 years (15 of them in Ogema) she retired. Thereafter, she substitute taught in Ogema and Waubun, until George entered a nursing home. He died in 1997. Irene lived in the farm a few years. She then moved to a duplex in Ogema, where she tended her flowers. She loved the great outdoors: birds, flowers, and gardening. She was an excellent cook, baking bread and rolls for her family's enjoyment. The cookie jar was never empty of chocolate-chip cookies! Irene was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, George; their infant son, Joseph; and a son-in-law, Rick Houske. Also preceding her were two brothers, Herb and baby Albert and three sisters, Lucille Rubischke, Ann Brunner, and Ethel Haverkamp. She is survived by three sons; Jim (MaryAnn) of Big Sugar Bush Lake, MN, Gary (Julie) of Waubun, MN, and Ric (Karen) of Ogema; two daughters, Sande (Dean) Larson of Elizabeth, MN, and Gigi Houske of Brainerd, MN; two sisters, Helen Hanson of Valley City, ND, and Dorothy Johnson of Norfolk, NE. She also leaves 15 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Irene was a member of Most Holy Redeemer Church, Ladies Sodality, Foresters, VFW Auxiliary, Homemakers, Mahnomen Country Club, MEA, and NEA. Irene's family sends their sincerest thanks to all of their friends for the support and kindness that has been given. They are truly grateful to all of her friends and care givers; especially Pat Johnson, the White Earth nurses, Dr. Henke and his staff, and the care givers at Emmanuel Nursing Home for their respectful, loving care and concern.

Irene Jasken

May 28, 1917 - January 24, 2008