Irene Petsche, 85, of McGregor, Iowa died Sunday, August 20, 2017 at Great River Care Center, McGregor, Iowa. Irene Catherine was born to Casper and Mary (Lucher) Schaefers on May 15, 1932 in Clayton, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Garnavillo, Iowa. Irene attended Garnavillo Catholic School through the eighth grade.
Irene was united in marriage with Elwyn James Petsche, five children were born to this union. Through the years, she worked at Swiss Valley Farms in St. Olaf, Iowa from 1978 through 1999. In her retirement years she provided a cleaning service for Elkader Bed and Breakfast, the Elkader Library and other homes in the area. Irene enjoyed baking and gardening, but she was most passionate about her religion. Her clover leaf rolls were a family favorite and a must at all gatherings. Irene had a big heart and was a hard worker. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Elkader, Iowa and later in life at Our Lady of Grace in Seneca, Wisconsin.
Irene is survived by her children, Evelyn Petsche of Elkader, Iowa, Albert (Jean) Petsche of Colona, Illinois, Leonard Petsche of Jefferson, Georgia, Julie (Jack) Hensley of Savage, Minnesota and Carl (Beth) Petsche of Volga, Iowa; four grandchildren, Alex Petsche, Ryan Petsche, Adam Hensley and Ben Hensley; her siblings, Leo Schaefers of McGregor, Iowa, Lucille “Sally” Schaefers of McGregor, Iowa and Helen Schaefers of Dubuque, Iowa.
Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Elwyn James Petsche; parents, Casper and Mary Schaefers; brothers, Ray Schaefers and Eldo Schaefers; and her sisters, Anna May Schaefers, Betty Schaefers (in infancy) and Bernice Schaefers.
Visitation will be Friday, August 25, 2017 from 4-7 pm with 6:00 pm Rosary at Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.
Requiem High Mass will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Parish, Seneca, Wisconsin with Rev. Father Carlos Borja as the Celebrant.
Private family burial will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Elkader, Iowa.
Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin is helping the family with the arrangements.