Irene Kretschmar, 93, Minot formerly of Rugby, Mohall and Bottineau died on Saturday, February 25, 2012 in a Minot healthcare center.

Irene was born on November 28, 1918 in Deering, ND to Helge Erik and Ingeborg (Melbu)Lindbo. She was reared on farms near Deering and Rolla and graduated from Rolla High School. She continued her education at a Red Cross nursing program in Portland Oregon and was employed as a nurse by Dr. Hornstein in Rugby.

Irene married Leonard Kretschmar on January 26, 1944 in Rolla. They made their home in Bottineau, Mohall, Rugby and Minot where he was employed for many years as a manager of Red Owl grocery stores in those communities. Irene was employed by the Minot Public Schools hot lunch program for several years. Leonard died on April 7, 2001. Irene had continued to make her home in Minot at Edgewood Vista prior to entering Manorcare.

Irene was an active member of First Lutheran Church and the Order of Eastern Star where she served as Worthy Matron. Also, she was a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliaries and a ladies "sewing" club. She especially enjoyed cooking, baking, needlework and tending to her rose bushes as well as planning and preparing Scandinavian dinners at First Lutheran Church.

Irene's loving family includes her children: C. Tim (Mary Ann) Kretschmar of Rapid City SD and Douglas (Mary) Kretschmar of Rolla; grandchildren: Tim Moritz, Luke and Leslie Kretschmar and Jacob Kretschmar; great grandchildren: Alexandria, Breanna and Jonathan Moritz; sister-in-law: Ella Lindbo of Jamestown and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sisters: Selma, Gerda, Helen and Martha and brothers: Ed, Ole, Art and Lloyd.

Funeral Service: Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. in First Lutheran Church - Minot.
Interment will be in Rosehill Memorial Park - Minot.
Visitation: Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
Memorials are preferred to First Lutheran Church - Minot.