Irene Jeanette Ode of Badger passed away on November 29th, 2021 at LifeCare Medical Center at the age of 87.
Irene was born in Greenbush, Minnesota on October 21st, 1934 to Martin D. and Mabel (Wold) Anderson. She went to school at Haug Leo until she transferred to Badger in the 8th grade. Irene graduated from Badger in 1952 and started to work as a waitress at Christy’s Café in Roseau. She met the love of her life, Newell when her brother, Toby, set them up on a date. On October 29, 1955 Irene married Roy Newell Ode in Duxby, Minnesota and they had five children. She stayed at home with the children until the four oldest were all in school. Her fifth child came later in life and was a blessing to the whole family. Irene worked at the RCCA (Midland) station as a secretary for 38 years.
Irene was an exceptional seamstress making clothes for her children when they were young, usually making the girls matching dresses and the boys matching shirts. She loved to cook and bake, making some amazing desserts and the traditional Scandinavian specialties. Irene always looked forward to the making of Lefse and flatbread and loved passing her tradition of Lefse making to her children and grandchildren. You could always find sweets on the counter waiting for whoever would stop over! She enjoyed sitting on the deck in the summer soaking up the sunshine and tending to her flowers. Irene absolutely loved having her grandchildren and great grandchildren over to visit. On the cooler days she enjoyed doing word finds and jigsaw puzzles. Irene enjoyed the new technology of being able to receive pictures onto her Frameo. Every morning while enjoying her coffee, she would watch the slideshow to see if anyone had sent a new picture to her. Irene was a proud mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.
Irene will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor, witty one-liner responses, and the wonderful love and care she gave all her family. Blessed be her memory.
Irene is survived by her children, Rory of Badger, MN, Gerry of Badger, MN, Carmie (Roland) Stoe of Badger, MN, Tammy (Harold) Connell of Salol, MN, Mandy of Bismarck ND; grandchildren, Jason, Ross, Dylan Ode, Terry, Alicia, Adam, Justin Stoe, Brian Hites, Nick, Travis, Tressa Connell, Hayley, Brady Gienger; and great grandchildren, Ruthie Teorey, Brennon, Grayden, and Rory Ode.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Roy (Sept. 2021); sisters, Elna Hanson, Helen Wittak, Dorothy Hoosier, Mimi Lagen, Gretchen Kjellberg; brother, Alden (Toby) Anderson; and grandson Brandon Hites.
A service will be held at Helgeson Funeral Home in Roseau on the 6th of December at 11:00am with a visitation an hour prior. Interment will be at Badger City Cemetery in Badger, MN after the service.
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