Irene M. Steinke, 88, Minot, formerly of the Ambrose area, died Monday, August 10, 2009 in a Minot nursing home.

Irene was born September 24, 1920, in Burg Township of Divide County, North Dakota, south of Ambrose, to Olaf and Susie (Johnson) Kvigne. She was raised on the homestead and educated in country schools until moving to Crosby with her family.

Irene was once married and this union was blessed with four children. They moved to Minot in the early 1950's. Irene began her service in the health profession in 1964 as a nurse's aide at Trinity Hospital, serving in this capacity until her retirement in September 1982. She continued to reside in Minot for the rest of her life, entering Trinity Homes in 2004.

In retirement, Irene continued to be active in the community with her membership to the Moose Lodge, where she loved to dance. She was also known to enjoy a game of Bingo. Irene attended St. Paul's Lutheran Church and sang in the choir in her earlier years. In her later years, she attended Bethany Lutheran Church and Zion Lutheran Church where she served in different capacities. She was a current member of Our Savior Lutheran Church. Irene was a hard working mother, grandmother, and friend. She will be deeply missed by all who shared in her life.

Irene's loving family includes: Children: Rudy (Vicki) Steinke, Minot, Sheila Steinke, Loveland, CO, and Greg Steinke, Scottsdale, AZ; Grandchildren: Anthony and Christa Steinke, Minot, and Jeff Steinke of Williston; Great-Granddaughter: Bailee Steinke; Sister: Florence (Einar) Rebne, Big Floyd Lake, MN and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, son, William, and her five brothers, Clarence, Oscar, Orvin, Melvin, and a baby who died in infancy.

Funeral Service: Friday, August 14, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park - Minot.
Visitation: Thursday from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
Memorials are preferred to the Trinity Homes Chapel Fund, Minot.