Irene Schutte

IRENE LAVONNE SCHUTTE

Cedar Rapids

Irene Lavonne Schutte, 79, of Knoxville, formerly of Cedar Rapids, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2016, at Mercy Medical Center, Des Moines. Burial services will be noon Saturday, Jan. 9, at Rogers Grove Cemetery, rural Ely. Arrangements are with Winfield Funeral Home, Knoxville.

Irene was born Sept. 18, 1936, in LeRoy, Minn., the daughter of James and Myrtle Perry. Irene attended school at LeRoy High School. On Sept. 30, 1952, Irene was united in marriage to Lyle Keith Schutte. In 1963, Irene and Lyle moved to Cedar Rapids. They had seven children: Michael, Robert, Bruce, Steven, Dan, Lisa and Paul.

In 1975, after the passing of Irene's husband, Lyle, Irene got her GED and attended Mount Mercy College, graduating from the nursing program. In 1982, Irene moved to Knoxville and began working at the VA Medical Center as a registered nurse. After a 23-year career, Irene retired in May 2006.

Irene was a proud wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, who raised her family in a Christian home filled with love and laughter. Irene's faith, family and the Celebrate Church in Knoxville were a very large part of her life. Irene also enjoyed traveling and going on little adventures. Irene enjoyed being a part of family activities and an occasional good hockey game.

Irene is survived by her seven children: Michael, Robert, Bruce, Steven, Dan, Lisa and Paul; 14 grandchildren; and 22

great-grandchildren. Irene also is survived by sisters, Zona Jones of Grinnell and Joan (Kent) Boisen of Cedar Rapids; and a brother, Wayne (Darlene) Perry of Cedar Rapids.

A memorial in Irene's name has been established by the family for Knoxville Senior Nutrition Center.

Condolences may be sent to www.winfield

fh.com.