Irene Grommesh

Irene Faye Grommesh, 74 died September 21, 2014 surrounded by her family. God's grace; Irene's faith and strong will helped her courageously face the last three months battling brain cancer. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and special friend. She was a light in this world and has left behind a legacy of love. Irene was born August 2, 1940 in Burke, SD to Dewain and Lavinia (Risewick) Wilson. She was the 2nd of 5 daughters. Irene was baptized and confirmed at First Methodist Church, Burke, SD and attended elementary school in Stuart, NE and the country school located near their family farm. While growing up Irene learned her strong work ethic. This was shown as she worked alongside her father in their fields and with their cattle. Irene also learned how to sew and bake with her mother, and over the years perfected each and prided herself with her accomplishments. This work ethic and compassion for all living things, Irene instilled in her family. She graduated high school from Gregory, SD and went on to receive a three month degree in Aviation Communication. Her first job out of college was working with her father at Missouri Valley Insurance Company, Burke, SD. Irene worked at various occupations including a farm wife: caring for her family, the land and animals. Her favorite time of year was the spring, as it was the time to plow and turn the dirt over "creating a fresh start each year," she'd say. She worked as a bookkeeper at Grommesh Oil, a store clerk at Ben Franklin and an office manager/property manager for Ameriland Reality Co. She started her own business, "Sunshine Property Management Co. "in 2012. She was known for managing only property that "she'd live in." Always making updates and continued maintenance. Giving people second chances and mentoring those that seemed lost were qualities that she became known for while running her business. Irene was the beloved mother of Dean (Marlene Krause) Grommesh, Todd (Debra) Grommesh and Dawn (Randal) Chisholm. She was the grandmother to Grace Grommesh, Matthew (Ashley) Grommesh, Brianna (Nathan) Schjei, Sophia Martin, Sara, Alex and Anna Lambert, Candice, Alexander, Aaron and Ryan Chisholm, Lisa (Monte) Brown, Cody and Brandi Krause. Great-grandmother to Todd James, Adylin, Evan, Taylor and MaKayla. She shared her love and many treasured moments on this earth with her family and special friend Dale Kraig. The family wishes to celebrate Irene's life with a visitation on Friday, September 26th from 5 pm-7pm and a prayer service at 7 pm at West Funeral Home in West Fargo, ND. And funeral services on Saturday, September 27th at Wesminister Presbyterian Church, Casselton, ND at 11 am with visitation one hour before the funeral service. Irene is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and special friend Dale Kraig and her sisters Dolores (Darrel) Hanson, Arlene (Les) Keever, Karen Schrader, Shirley (Lyle) Moerike and several aunts, nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, granddaughter Hope, and son-in-law Bill. Irene has brought sunshine to the lives of those that loved her and has taught us all that love, like sunshine never goes away. It remains with us always in the hope of each new day.