Irene Eleanor Ovren passed away on June 12, 2016, at The Neighbors of Dunn County in Menomonie, WI, where she had been a resident for three and one half years. She celebrated her 100th birthday on December 19, 2015. Irene was born on the farm in Albertville, WI, on December 19, 1915, to Axel and Laura (Dahl) Solberg. She graduated from Colfax High School in 1934 and Normal School in Menomonie in 1935. She taught country schools in the Colfax area from 1935-1940. She married Roald Ovren at Big Elk Creek Lutheran Church on June 12, 1940, where they continued to be lifetime members. They were the parents of three children: Richard, Kathleen, and Patricia. Roald and Irene farmed in rural Elk Mound for their lifetimes and Irene taught elementary school in Elk Mound for twenty-four years. She was an active member of WELCA and Hope Circle at Big Elk Creek and was a quilter for many years. She loved hosting family and friends and was a pro at Norwegian baking and her very own recipe for chocolate chip cookies. Irene's last achievement came in her 80s when she started an apron business and produced endless originals for family and friends to enjoy. The memories of Mom, Aunt, Grandma, friend, and teacher are all good, which is a testament to the gentle and kind person she was to everyone. Irene is survived by her daughter, Patricia (Gary) De Moe of Elk Mound; her eight grandchildren, Connie Anderson, Robin Ovren, Steve (Denae) Ovren, Tom (Michele) Lamb, Scott (Erica) Lamb, Jon (Heather) Lamb, Jonas De Moe (Kara Block), and Conan (Debora) De Moe; seventeen great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Mary Ellen Solberg and Melvina Evenson; her daughter-in-law, Charleen Ovren of Menomonie; her son-in-law, Thomas Lamb of Saukanauk, IL; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Irene was proceeded in death by her husband, Roald Ovren; her parents, Axel and Laura Solberg; daughter, Kathleen Lamb; son, Richard Ovren; five brothers, Oscar, Arnold, Louis, Lyle, and Donald; and one sister, Anna Gilberts. The funeral service for Irene will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 15, 2016, at Big Elk Creek Lutheran Church, Hwy M. Elk Mound, WI, with Pastor Hal A. Schroetter officiating. Visitation will take place from 12:00 p.m. until time of service. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Sampson Funeral Home is assisting her family.

Service Information

Cemetery

Big Elk Creek Lutheran Cemetery 6118 County Trk M 6118 60th Avenue Elk Mound WI 54739

Visitation

Wednesday, June 15 2016 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Big Elk Creek Lutheran Church 6118 County Hwy M 6118 60th Avenue Elk Mound WI 54739

Funeral Service

Wednesday, June 15 2016 1:30 PM

Big Elk Creek Lutheran Church 6118 County Hwy M 6118 60th Avenue Elk Mound WI 54739