Irene Becker

Mass of Christian Burial for Irene Becker, 86, was conducted at 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 2, at St. Raphael Catholic Church with The Rev. Phil Schotzko officiating.  Interment was in the St. Raphael Catholic Cemetery.

Mrs. Becker died Wednesday February 25, 2015, at St. John Lutheran Home in Springfield.

Irene Edith Allen was born August 8, 1928, to Thoburn and Bessie (Beach) Allen at the Mountain Lake Hospital. She married Eugene Becker on December 12, 1946, at St. Paul Parsonage in Springfield. The couple made their home in Springfield until 1949 when they moved to Wabasso, later moving to Clements and then Morgan. In 1965 they moved to Melrose, and then Sauk Centre where she worked for Swift and Co. In 1971 she began work for 3M in New Ulm and continued there for 17 years. While in Springfield she worked at the Rainbow Cafe, drove school bus, babysat for various families, and bartended and waitressed at the Legion for 30 years. Irene was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and served as the president three times and held other offices. She also drove the Heartland Express bus for 10 years. Her hobbies included reading, sewing, traveling and spending time with family and friends. She also enjoyed trips with the Mystery Tour Bus and dancing.

She is survived by her children, Sandy Guggisberg of Windom, Janet (Doug) Broten of Mountain Lake, Sharon (Paul) Donnay of Lafayette, Kathleen Becker of Crystal, Larry Becker of New Ulm, and Lori (Randy) Meidl of Springfield; 12 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 6 step-grandchildren, and 21 step-great-grandchildren; brothers, Richard (Edith) Allen of Shakopee and Louis (Carolyn) Allen of Mankato; and sister-in-law, Marge Allen of Mapleton. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Eugene, in 1978; son, Robert; grandchildren, Lucas and Alyssa; daughter-in-law, Sherri Becker; and brother Lynn Allen.

Sturm Funeral Home was entrusted with funeral arrangements.