Irene Emma Dethlefs

Irene Emma Dethlefs, born December 20, 1925, two miles south of Orting, Washington, passed away June 5, 2024, in Olympia, Washington. When Irene was seven, her parents, Constantinius "Con" and Margaret Vandewalle, moved to a farm in Ellensburg, Washington. Irene spoke often of her experiences on the farm with pride and warm memories.
Irene enjoyed life on the farm. She talked about milking cows before school. She also was involved with plowing the fields. She would put the harness on the horse and, with some assistance, connect the plow. She would then head off to the field to plow the land. This was a lot of work but, as Irene talked about doing these farm chores, she seems to have enjoyed working with her dad and liked contributing to the farm duties.
Irene's dad immigrated from Belgium to the United States on a steamship when he was a young man. Irene was proud of him. He passed away when she was 12 years old. It was very traumatic for the family. Her mother, a strong woman, moved forward with her four girls, Marge (14), Irene (12), Dorothy (10) and Connie (six months). Irene remained close to her sisters all of her life.
After graduating Puyallup High School, Irene with her mother and sisters, Connie and Clara, took a train to California to visit her sister Marge. On the trip, Irene met a young Navy man. Not just any man, that Navy guy became the love of her life. Irene and Bob were married in January 1946. They lived a short time in California while Bob completed his enlistment. After his discharge, they relocated to Puyallup, Washington. Bob attended college and Irene worked for an insurance company. It wasn't too long until they had a son, David.
Irene and Bob spent many years in the Washington cities of McCleary and Shelton. Irene worked at Simpson Credit Union, retiring after 28 years. She was actively involved in the Children's Orthopedic Guild. Over the years, Bob and Irene built two houses and did lots of yard work and gardening. Irene loved working in her yard. After retirement, Bob and Irene enjoyed trips to Sunriver and Embarcadero, Oregon; Palm Springs, California; Sun Valley, Idaho; Ocean Shores, Washington; and Kauai and Maui, Hawaii.
Bob and Irene were also snowbirds at the Happy Wanderer Resort in Indio, California, for several years. They enjoyed the winter sun and social activities.
Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Margaret Holst and Con Vandewalle; stepfather, John Holst; husband, Bob; sisters, Marge Neeley and Clara Beall. Irene's sister, Connie Filkins, recently passed away June 20, 2024.
Irene is survived by her son, Dave (Suzanna) Dethlefs; grandsons, Mark (Stephanie) Dethlefs, Richard (Lara) Dethlefs; great grandchildren, Cy, Eva, Sara and Jacob Dethlefs; sister, Dorothy Schnider; and numerous nieces and nephews.
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