Irene J. Dehner left this world to join her Heavenly Father on the morning of November 3rd, 2020 at the Roosevelt Medical Center in Culbertson, Montana. Irene was 81 years old.
Irene was born in Wolf Point, Montana on January 6th, 1939 to Edward and Alice (Lauridsen) Schwarzrock. Irene was the youngest child joining her sister Pearl and brother Lyle. They lived on the family farm northwest of Brockton, MT. Irene attended the Biem School and Poplar High School, graduating in 1957.
After a short courtship, Irene married Leon Dehner on June 8, 1957. Irene always remarked how far she had to move away from home, ( a whopping five miles)! She lived within that 5 mile radius for 81 years. Leon and Irene became parents to four rambunctious boys who kept them busy running to wrestling meets, going on family hunting trips and frequent trips to the emergency room. Leon and Irene, with the help of their boys, farmed north of Brockton for over forty years. Irene saw to it that a hot meal was brought out to the field, and the boys have fond memories of her bed being completely covered in freshly baked cookies, ready to go in baggies to be stored in the freezer. The boys quickly figured out that if you hid the baggie behind the freezer, Mom didn’t notice that they were missing…or so they thought. She ground her own wheat to make flour for her delicious homemade breads. She loved to garden and canned the fruits of her labor. Mom saw to it that no one left her kitchen hungry.
Irene was the best hired hand Leon ever had! She would run for parts, could operate any piece of equipment on the farm and even did the occasional mechanic work. One year when Leon was sick, Irene pulled the engine out of the grain truck, tore it apart, rebuilt the engine and put it back in the truck, all by herself. In addition to farming, Irene also cared for numerous animals on the farm. The grandchildren have fond memories of helping her care for her little angora goats that she bottle fed.
When Irene had a free minute, she loved to sew and crochet. She made her children’s clothes, their winter coats, and she loved helping make costumes for the annual Christmas program, held at the Mineral Bench School. Every grandchild and great-grandchild was the recipient of a beautiful blanket made by grandma.
After the boys were all of school age, Irene had several jobs outside of the home. She worked at the Cenex store in Poplar, A&S Industries, B&S Laundry Mat and the Poplar Schools. Irene was a member of Zion Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School and confirmation classes.
Generous and giving described Irene in every way. We knew if we ever needed someone to help with a job, not only would she volunteer but she would stay until the job was complete. She loved being asked to watch her grandchildren as they were her pride and joy.
Irene was proceeded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Leon, grandson Hunter Dehner, great- grandson Grady Sunwall, and brother-in-law Earl Floyd.
Irene is survived by her four sons, Raymond (Su), Dallas (Paula) , Todd , Ward (Cheryl) , thirteen grandchildren, and twenty-five great grandchildren, her sister Pearl Floyd and brother Lyle (Betty) Schwarzrock, numerous nieces and nephews, and her precious dog Kricket “with a K.”
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to her neighbors and friends who took the time to check in on her and care for her throughout the years, since Leon’s passing. She was blessed to have neighbors who were willing to step up and help her at any given moment. You know who you are, and we love you for all you have done. We would also like to thank the doctors and nurses at Roosevelt Medical Center for the care that they gave to our mother and grandmother over the last six months.