Irene Schoenwald , 102, Minot, formerly of Max, ND died Friday, August 10, 2018, in a Minot hospital surrounded by her family.

Irene was born June 14, 1916, 0n the family farm Economy Township of McLean County near Max, North Dakota to Albert and Thea (Hanson) Anderson. She was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Max. Irene received her education in Max, graduating from high school in 1934. As a young adult, Irene was employed by various families in Max and Minot areas, caring for children and doing other household duties.

Irene was united in marriage to Edwin Schoenwald on October 12, 1940 in Max. They made their home on the Schoenwald family farm located northeast of Max within Iota Flat Township of Ward County. Their union was blessed with five children.

Following Edwin's passing on September 4, 1993, Irene continued to live on the farm until relocating to Minot in October 2012.

Irene was an active member of Hope Lutheran Church and served on many committees. She also served her community by being on several boards and committees. She was always busy cooking, baking, gardening, canning, sewing, patching, crocheting (she made quilts and crocheted blankets for all the family babies) and caring for her family. She kept farm records, family history, and often settled arguments with her many years of journals.

Irene was proud of her Norwegian Heritage and her Flag Day birthday. It was interesting to hear about the many changes she had seen in her lifetime, like going to school in a horse drawn wagon, living without electricity or running water to having radio and TV, seeing man walk on the moon and learning to use modern technology!

Irene's loving family includes her children, Jerald (Sheila) Schoenwald, Sawyer, ND, Eugene (Kim Lowe) Schoenwald, Minot, Joyce (Ken) Froschheiser, Thief River Falls, MN, Rodney Schoenwald, Max and Nancy (Terry) Gullickson, Max; grandchildren, Leslee (Michael) Borowski, Lucky (Darla) Schoenwald, Lance (Ashley Leary) Schoenwald, Troy Schoenwald, Travis (Paula) Schoenwald, Jared (Amanda) Brandt, Dena (Darwin) Boutain, Karla (Brad) Laidley, Kenneth (Sara) Gullickson, Kari (Craig) Rodenberg and Jamie (Jared) Schmidt; 25 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Edwin, grandchildren, LeeAnn, Kellea and Brent Schoenwald, brother, Glenn Anderson and sisters, Nelva Klimpel and Verna Schoenwald.

Funeral service: 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at Hope Lutheran Church, rural Sawyer, ND
Interment: Hope Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Sawyer, ND
Visitation will be held on Tuesday 14, 2018 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to the Hope Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Sawyer, ND