Irene Marie Valenta

IRENE MARIE VALENTA

Cedar Rapids

Irene Marie Valenta, 96, of Cedar Rapids, died Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy following a brief illness. Services: 11 a.m. Friday at Cedar Hills Community Church by the Rev. Kent Landhuis. Burial: National Cemetery, Vining. Friends may visit with the family at the church after 9:30 a.m. Friday.

Irene is survived by her son, Gary (Susan) of Elberon; daughter-in-law, Karen (Kyle) Reynolds of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Warren (Staci) Valenta, Brian (Leslee) Valenta and Kim (Paul) Reynolds; great-grandchildren, Matthew, Jared, Justin, Zoey, Wyatt, Taylor and Tate; and sisters, Paula Schutt, Patsy (Lawrence) Clough, Joann Ferrel, Doris Lohf and Shirley O'Connor.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Willard, in 1979; son, Gene; brothers, Arthur and Robert; and sister, Lillian James.

Irene was born on Nov. 7, 1921, in Clutier, the daughter of Louie and Emma Zeman Yuska. She married Willard Valenta on April 21, 1941, in Clutier and, as a farm wife, she drove the tractor. Later, she worked at Rockwell Collins for 21 years. Irene was a member of Cedar Hills Community Church and vice president of the Iowa Women's Bowling Association.

Irene loved baking kolaches, playing cards, dancing, gardening, quilting, needlework and making crafts, and was involved in craft shows. She was an excellent bowler and won many ribbons. Irene volunteered often and was known to take care of her friends and family. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Memorials may be directed to Cedar Hills Community Church.

Online condolences can be left at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.