Zirkelbach, Irene M.

MONTICELLO -  Irene M. Zirkelbach, 85, died Friday, Sept. 24, 2010, at the Monticello Nursing and Rehabilitation Center following an extended illness. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 28, at the Scotch Grove Presbyterian Church, with interment in the Scotch Grove Cemetery. Pastor Jean Bruinsman will officiate at the services. Friends may call from 4 until 8 p.m. Monday at Goettsch Funeral Home, Monticello.

Surviving are her husband, Dean; five children, Marcia (Don) Goettsch of Marion, Dennis of Dubuque, Kevin of Monticello, Jon (Tracy) of Center Junction and Julie (Ervin) Eiben, and a daughter-in-law, Karen Ross, both of Monticello; 13 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and her brother, Dale Neunaber of Anamosa.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Ed in 1990; two infant sons; and two brothers, Lawrence and Paul.

Irene Margaret Neunaber was born Oct. 21, 1924, near Anamosa, Iowa. She was the daughter of John and Margaritha (Hults) Neunaber. Irene received her early education in the rural schools of Jones County. She graduated from the Olin High School with the class of 1942. Irene then worked as waitress at the Nook Café in Anamosa and later at Anamosa Produce. Irene Neunaber and Dean Zirkelbach were married on Dec. 20, 1944, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Anamosa. The couple farmed on the Zirkelbach family farm for 62 years. They moved to their home in Monticello in 2006.

Irene was a member of the Scotch Grove Presbyterian Church and the U.P.W. She taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School. Irene was baptized at Wayne Zion Lutheran Church and confirmed her faith at St. Paul Lutheran Church. She had been a 4-H leader for the Wayne Willing Workers.

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In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Scotch Grove Presbyterian Church or Camp Wyoming.