Irene was born on June 20, 1935, in Haybrook Township, Minnesota. She graduated from Mora High School where she enjoyed singing in the high school choir and roller skating at the Fish Lake Pavilion. Upon graduation, she moved to Minneapolis to work, and in 1954, Irene met Ralph R. Dehkes, a handsome Navy sailor who swept her off her feet in a whirlwind courtship; they were married a mere two weeks later, on April 7, 1954, where she earned the nickname of “Sweetlips” by Ralph. It was a standing pun between “Sweetlips and RB.” They were married for 55 years until Ralph’s death in 2009.

Irene enjoyed staying busy and had several hobbies, including collecting gnomes and dolls, sewing, beautiful embroidery, knitting, and flower gardening. She enjoyed the television shows “Survivor” and “Naked and Afraid” and would watch episodes repeatedly. In her mid-forties, she became an ordained minister and assisted in mission trips to Romania and Guatemala, where she would support the ministry team by writing and implementing children’s programming. She also wrote several Vacation Bible School curriculums and would donate her time, talents, and resources to provide these opportunities to churches at no charge. Irene assisted her husband, Ralph, with a church bus ministry for over ten years. Irene also participated as “Pattycake” in a Christian Clowning group and was adept at making balloon sculptures. Irene did not hesitate to participate in robust conversations and often enjoyed discussing religion and politics with people of all beliefs and faiths.

Irene was a housewife until the mid-1970s when she became a floral designer. She went on to open a flower shop in Rush City, MN, where she worked until her retirement in 1998 when she and Ralph moved to New Ulm, MN. Irene was a dedicated grandmother. She loved to care for and spoil her grandchildren, and there was always a steady stream of kids in their home. She enjoyed baking cookies and cinnamon rolls for family and friends; there was always room for one more at her dinner table. While Irene would say she was quiet and shy, all who knew her saw she was a kind and sociable woman who valued family, friends, and God and would serve others with fervor, friendship, and a warm meal. Irene will also be remembered as an independent and spunky soul. Irene always wanted family and friends to know that her home was a safe place to land, and she opened her doors to many over the years. Notably, her home was always open to stray dogs and cats, and she lovingly took each of them in and provided them with a safe and loving home.

Irene and Ralph enjoyed traveling together and frequently made impromptu visits to their children, friends, and relatives across the United States. They particularly enjoyed history and long, hand-held oceanside strolls on the beach. Her family and friends will sadly miss Irene but rejoice in her reunion with her sweetheart, Ralph.

Her family and friends thank everyone for their prayers and condolences and wish to acknowledge the loving caregivers who provided her with amazing care at Ridgway on 23rd Assisted Living and Memory Care. She had her favorites, but we will never tell! Thank you to Allina Hospice for their tender care of Irene and remarkable support for the family.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at the Grace Community Church, located at 301 S Minnesota Street, New Ulm. Visitation with family will be one hour prior to the service. Once the funeral service concludes, a brief graveside service will follow. Refreshments will be provided at the church after the graveside service.

Donations in her memory can be made to the United Way of the Brown County Area, New Ulm, MN.

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