Irene Mathiason

Irene Mathiason, 96, of Grand Forks passed away Sunday, November 14, 2010 at Woodside Village of Valley Memorial Home. Irene Brenna was born April 22, 1914, the daughter of Henry and Bessie (Julson) Brenna. She grew up in Brenna Township, graduated from G.F. Central High School, and Mayville Teachers College. She taught school for 8 years in several one-room country school houses. Irene married Elmer Mathiason on November 9, 1941. They lived on their farm in rural Thompson until Elmers death in 1997. Irene was an active member of the community. She was a charter member of Valley Associated of Retarded Citizens (ARC), she was active in 4-H clubs, and Americus #23 school. She was an active member of the Walle Lutheran Church and served as WELCA President several years. Irene is survived by her daughters; Diane Yoder of Grand Forks, Karen Freeman of Littleton, CO, Rita (Rich) Hadley of Spokane, WA; sons, Paul (Diane) Mathiason of Grand Forks, Steven (Karen) Mathiason of Rural Thompson, ND; 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren; sister, Betty Anderson of Grand Forks and Bunny Nordby of Colorado Springs, CO. She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer and brothers, Kenneth, Willard and Kenny Brenna.