Irene Umlauf

Irene M. Umaluf, 105, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Tuesday, September 1, 2015, at the Broen Home in Fergus Falls.

Irene was born on September 10, 1909, to William and Augusta (Schutte) Block, in Chickasaw County, New Hampton, IA. She was one of eight children.

In 1916, when Irene was seven years old, her family moved by train, to a farm near Rothsay, MN. She attended a rural school and was confirmed at Hamar Church in Rothsay.

She, in her teenage years, worked as a housekeeper and nanny and told of after eighth grade she was asked by her teacher to help with the students. She also worked at City Bakery in Fergus Falls, the turkey plant in Pelican Rapids, and was the fastest potato picker with her special friend Chris.

On January 20, 1932, she married Erwin Umlauf at St. John’s Lutheran Parsonage in Elizabeth, MN. The couple farmed together in Aurdal and Carlisle townships, where they continued until retiring in 1973. They continued to live in the farm, until moving to the River Bend Apartments in 1994. Irene was the Clerk for School District 221, in Carlisle Township for many years. She was also a member of a Homemakers group.

Irene liked cooking, baking, cleaning and yard work. She made beautiful crocheted items, enjoyed reading books and word search puzzles.

On April 30, 2011, she broke her hip, had surgery and moved to the Broen Home where, she resided until her passing.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Erwin, in 1998; son, Warren, in 2011; and daughter-in-law, Janelle, in 2011; her parents; two brothers, Arnold and Elmer; four sisters, Viola and Hildegaard Block, Amanda Jacobs, and Ida Umlauf; three brothers-in-law, Raymond Umlauf, Albert Jacobs and Alden Umlauf; and two sisters-in-law, Olena Block and Mrs. Alden (Donna) Umlauf.

Survivors include her daughter, Betty (Darvin) Rocholl of Erhard; three sons, Orlin of Albertville, Roger of Fergus Falls and David (Gwen)of Moorhead; a daughter-in-law, Donna of Fergus Falls; three granddaughters, Brenda (David) Schmidt, Kimberley (fiancé Michael Hutton) and Marcie (Todd) DeBoer; 3 grandsons, Scot (Lisa) Umlauf, Travis (Jenny) Rocholl and Bryan (Tina) Umlauf; a special niece, Donnetta Wallace and children; 11 great-grandchildren, Tyler Umlauf, Alisha (Chris) Ball, Mariah and Shaynah Smith, Brodey and Kayla Rocholl, Evan DeBoer, Bobby (Nadine) Hutton, Michael Hutton, Chris Schmidt and Ryan Schmidt; three great-great-grandchildren, Lexi Umlauf, Kara Ball and Orion Schmidt; a sister, Verna Link; and brother-in-law, Kenneth Link; along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Irene was a wonderful mother, grandmother, etc. and will be missed by all.