Irene Margaret Couch

Irene M. Couch age 95 passed away February 27, 2026 at Presbyterian Homes of Bloomington.

Proceeded in death by her parents, 8 siblings, daughter Terrie Ann, son-in-laws James Kadlec and Gerald Peterson, and grandson Daniel Peterson. Survived by brother Alfred Houdek, 9 children Garry Couch, Paula Couch, Kim Couch, Carmen Peterson, Kevin Couch (Susan), Lisa ONeill (Patrick), Mary Couch Hollermann (partner Kevin Berg), John Couch (Marla), Jill Carey (Rodney). Many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Many nieces and nephews.

Born the 10th child of Wences (Jim or W.V.) and Elizabeth Houdek in Voss, North Dakota on June 19, 1930. Her mother died when Irene was nine years old. Her Aunt Agness Houdek came to live with the family until W.V. remarried when Irene was ten.

The family moved to Mahnomen, MN when Irene was 12. Her sister Nora asked if Irene could come to Portland, OR and babysit for Fae while Nora worked in the shipyard during World War II. With Dad's approval she rode on the train alone to Portland and not only stayed the summer but attended her sophomore year of high school and the following summer. Nora and Glen along with Grace and Kenny drove back to North Dakota to "return Irene". They landed in Voss on V-J day - the end of the war! All the adults went to Minto to celebrate (there were bars there). Irene stayed home to babysit her nieces and nephews - big bummer! After graduating from Mahnomen High School she moved to Grand Forks and worked at the First National Bank.

On August 16, 1948 she married Richard Couch. After 10 children and an advanced case of alcoholism they were divorced in 1972. She spent 6 years waitressing and then went to Technical School and following that worked for Chrene Contracting Corporation until retirement in 1995. She also worked at the Observatory Club for the North Stars during many of the years.

Her retirement was spent helping out family and attending sports games of grandchildren, plus working for the Cherne Foundation from 1995 to 2003 and volunteering at Cornerstone from 1997 to 2009. She served as a Eurcharist Minister, volunteered at funeral luncheons, was a committee member of Families Moving Forward, Adult Faith Formation and other various church programs and committees. She played Bridge and Bocce Ball and became a staunch Curves member.

In 2017 she moved into Presbyterian Homes of Bloomington, assisted living. She enjoyed all the services they provided from meals, day trips, bingo, concerts, onsite beauty salon, to hosting family gatherings in the Town Center Lounge and feeling safe and cared for by all the staff. She was a fan favorite, greeting people with that big smile, ease of laughter and a bit of sass.

Memorial service Friday, April 24, 2026 at 11 AM, with visitation at 10 AM, at St. Edwards Catholic Church, 9401 Nesbitt Ave. S. Bloomington, MN 55437. Luncheon following service, followed by private burial at the Peace Garden.

If you wish to honor her, memorials can be donated to Cornerstone, cornerstonemn.org, Covenant House covenanthouse.org.