Irene Melkert

Irene Melkert, 89, of Fergus Falls, passed away Wednesday, March 13, 2024.

Irene Helen Sundblad was born December 3, 1934, to Helmer and Hilda (Wahl) Sundblad, in Erhards Grove Township, rural Erhard.

She was baptized and confirmed at Grace (Bagstevold) Lutheran Church in Erhard. She attended a one room country school at District #17 of Erhard and graduated from Pelican Rapids High School.

On October 3, 1953, she was united in marriage to Gerald Melkert in Oslo, MN. Together they had three children. Gerald passed away April 1993.

Irene was employed at West Central Turkeys in Pelican Rapids for 30 years, retiring in 2001. She enjoyed baking, bingo, cards in which she was very competitive with her family, and always liked a good game of throwing bean bags. She was a member of Eagles and New Life Lutheran Church in Rothsay where she quilted and served lunch for funerals.

She was preceded in death by her husband and parents; brothers, Leonard (Jean), Raymond (Joyce), Donald (Helen) and infant brother, Vernon; grandson, Steve Berlinger; great-grandsons, Brody Berlinger and Kaed Puetz and great-granddaughter, Ashleigh Puetz.

Irene is survived by her children, Geri (Roger) Steiner of Monticello, Sue (Mark) Beckstrom of Foxhome and Jeff (Pat) of Fergus Falls; grandchildren, Jodi (Darren) Miller of Moorhead, Jill (Josh) Keene of Las Vegas, NV, Jenna Berlinger of Dilworth, Rachael Steiner of Monticello, Jacob Steiner of Milaca, Troy (Cheri) Puetz of Indiana and Terry (Michelle) Puetz of Hankinson, ND; great-grandchildren, Caitlyn, Adara, Madi, Kai, Gianna, Jaden, Jordyn, Taj, Raehs, Tobi, Madison, Gunner and Savannah; and great-great grandchild, Raeleigh.

Funeral Service: 1:00 p.m., Thursday, March 21, 2024, at New Life Lutheran Church, Rothsay, with a visitation one hour prior to the service.

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Clergy: Reverend Randy Whitehead

Interment: Hamar Cemetery, Rothsay, MN

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com