Irene J. Streif

Irene J. Streif, age 92, of Lancaster, passed away on Friday, February 2, 2024, at Grant Regional Health Center in Lancaster.  She was born on September 26, 1931, in Balltown, IA, the daughter of Clarence and Elizabeth (Pothoff) Bleile.  Irene attended Balltown Catholic School.  On September 16, 1950, she was united in marriage to Harold Streif.  He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict and Irene farmed with her mother and father-in-law in Farley, IA.   Upon Harold’s honorable discharge, Harold worked at John Deere and Irene worked at the Dubuque Pack as well as Flexsteel and they both farmed.  In 1958, they moved to Lancaster and farmed in Liberty Township until December of 1978.   Irene then worked for Land’s End for thirteen years.  She was a member of the Jolly Dolly’s, St. Clement Catholic Church and its church circle where she volunteered her time for several church events.  Irene was also a member of a card club where they played every Wednesday.  She loved playing cards, baking, cooking, and spending time with family.  Irene enjoyed hosting family gatherings and most recently, family gatherings on her new deck.  She will be greatly missed by all who know her.

Survivors include her sons: David (Kim) Streif, Fennimore; Terry (Brenda) Streif, Lancaster; a daughter-in-law, Marie Streif, Lancaster; seven grandchildren: Mike, Allan, Misty (Brian) Koeller, Hannah (Clint) Miller, Tyler (Morgan), Samuel and Aubrey; 12 great-grandchildren: Cali, Nessa, Ashten, Mason, Kya, Tristan, Meleah, Jase, Greyson, Brenham, Felicity, and Aleera; one great-great grandson, Oliver; a sister-in-law, Mary Bleile; other relatives and many friends.

In addition to her parents, Irene was preceded in death by a son, Melvin; her husband, Harold; and her siblings: Lucille Dean, Anna Schmidt, Ervin Bleile, Elmer Bleile, and Donald in infancy.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster with Father Mark Miller officiating.  Burial will be in St. Clement Cemetery, Lancaster.   Family and friends may call on Monday, February 12, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Martin Schwartz Funeral Homes & Crematory in Lancaster and on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church.