Irene M. Kenkel
November 10, 1919 — May 19, 2013
Irene Marie Kenkel was born on November 10, 1919 to John and Rose (Wilwerding) Erlbacher in Earling, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph�s Catholic Church in Earling and attended St. Joseph�s Catholic School.
On January 8, 1940, Irene was united in marriage to Vincent Kenkel at St. Joseph�s Catholic Church. They became parents to two sons: Neil and Gary.
Irene painted houses and did inside finishing work. She also painted commercial properties including Little Flower Haven in Earling and the sale barn in Dunlap, Iowa.
She was a woman of faith and a longtime member of St. Michael�s Catholic Church where she also served on the Ladies Guild. She had a dry sense of humor and enjoyed gardening. She loved to play cards and was involved with several card clubs. She thoroughly enjoyed playing but hated to lose.
Irene died on Sunday, May 19, 2013 having attained the age of ninety-three years, six months, and nine days. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers: Elmer, Leonard, Lavern, Jake, and John Erlbacher; and sisters Pat Malone, Marie Stolz, and Ella Mae Darnell.
She is survived by her sons: Neil Kenkel and his wife Bernie of Manson, Iowa and Gary Kenkel and his wife Jo Ann of Harlan, Iowa; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sister Rita Briggs of Audubon, Iowa; other family members and friends.
Rev. John Frost celebrated the 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at St. Michael�s Catholic Church in Harlan, Iowa. Music was provided by John Rosman and Maryalyce Dotzler. Serving as casket bearers were Curt Kenkel, Dewayne Kenkel, Donnie Kenkel, Justin Hovey, Dan Grote, and Brian Egimo. Interment was held at the Harlan Cemetery.
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On January 8, 1940, Irene was united in marriage to Vincent Kenkel at St. Joseph�s Catholic Church. They became parents to two sons: Neil and Gary.
Irene painted houses and did inside finishing work. She also painted commercial properties including Little Flower Haven in Earling and the sale barn in Dunlap, Iowa.
She was a woman of faith and a longtime member of St. Michael�s Catholic Church where she also served on the Ladies Guild. She had a dry sense of humor and enjoyed gardening. She loved to play cards and was involved with several card clubs. She thoroughly enjoyed playing but hated to lose.
Irene died on Sunday, May 19, 2013 having attained the age of ninety-three years, six months, and nine days. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers: Elmer, Leonard, Lavern, Jake, and John Erlbacher; and sisters Pat Malone, Marie Stolz, and Ella Mae Darnell.
She is survived by her sons: Neil Kenkel and his wife Bernie of Manson, Iowa and Gary Kenkel and his wife Jo Ann of Harlan, Iowa; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sister Rita Briggs of Audubon, Iowa; other family members and friends.
Rev. John Frost celebrated the 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at St. Michael�s Catholic Church in Harlan, Iowa. Music was provided by John Rosman and Maryalyce Dotzler. Serving as casket bearers were Curt Kenkel, Dewayne Kenkel, Donnie Kenkel, Justin Hovey, Dan Grote, and Brian Egimo. Interment was held at the Harlan Cemetery.
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