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Peiffer, M. Irene
M. Irene Peiffer, 89, of Cascade, died at 4:15 a.m. Tuesday, July 5, 2011, at Shady Rest Care Center in Cascade. Friends and relatives may call from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, where a wake service will be held at 3 p. m. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 8, at St. Martin's Catholic Church in Cascade, with the Rev. Douglas Loecke officiating. Burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery, Cascade.
Irene was born April 24, 1922, in Cascade, Iowa, daughter of Louis and Anna (Koppes) Leesekamp. She received her education in the Cascade area country schools. On Sept. 17, 1940, she was united in marriage to Melvin J. Peiffer at St. Martin's Catholic Church, Cascade. Irene was employed at the former Aquin High School and then at Western Dubuque High School as a cook. She also did catering with Irene Roger's Catering.
Irene loved her family and enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, especially when sharing cookies or coconut cream pie. She was known for her wonderful sense of humor, and ability to make people smile and laugh. She worked very hard and enjoyed life to the end. She was a member of St. Matthias Parish in Cascade.
She is survived by three daughters, Deb (Rick) Kerper of Cascade, Shirley (James) Healy of Dubuque and Kay (Ray) Tauke of Earlville; 10 grandchildren, Cindy (Jeff) Shahan of Winterset, Jill (Steve) Wilming of Peosta, Kevin Healy of Dubuque, Lori (Joe) McCarty of Waukee, Dan (Thu) Tauke of Pella, Brian (Darci) Tauke of Chicago, Jolene (Rob) Gietl of Phoenix, Ariz., and Jennie (Dennis) Stecklein, Angie (Marv) Manternach and Mandi (Ryan) Frasher, all of Cascade; 18 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Betty (Bob) McMahon of Waterloo and Dode (Joe) Merfeld of Cascade.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Melvin J. Peiffer on Feb. 12, 1993.
An Irene Peiffer Memorial Fund has been established for Hospice of Dubuque and the Senior Citizens of Cascade.
Online condolences may be left for the family at
The family of Irene would like to thank Shady Rest Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque, especially Kristina, for all their wonderful care.
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