Irene Eleanor Stahr, 87, of rural West Union, Iowa, passed away on Monday, October 20, 2025, at the Ossian Care Center in Ossian, Iowa.
Irene was born September 7, 1938, in Hawkeye, Iowa, to Mervin and Annetta (Koester) Fritz. Throughout her childhood, she attended school in Hawkeye and graduated from the Hawkeye High School in 1956. While in high school, she was a cheerleader – a little known fact that, when she chose to share it, would bring a smile to her face. On February 16, 1958, Irene was united in marriage to Dwaine Stahr at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawkeye. Together they made their home and raised their family on farms in the Clermont and Eldorado areas.
Irene worked for 26 years at the Ossian Care Center, where she began as a volunteer but was soon asked to join the staff as the Dietary Manager. She took great pride in her role and was known for her dedication and compassion toward the residents and staff.
Irene also helped on the family farm and had a deep appreciation for the simple joys in life. She had a passion for nature and especially enjoyed gardening and tending to her flowers. She fed the birds, as well as any other creatures that wandered onto her deck – even the farm dogs could count on a slice of cake if they stopped by. She was always up for fun, whether it be a game or a word search, and she will be remembered for her calm, easygoing nature.
She was very active at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Eldorado, and her family will always remember the joy with which she sang hymns. Irene’s gentle demeanor, kindness, and strong faith left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
She is survived by her husband, Dwaine Stahr of West Union; her children, Kathy (Gale) Koenig of Castalia, Sandra (Wade) Roach of Spirit Lake, and Roger (Wendy) Stahr of West Union; eight grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; and one brother, Richard (Yvonne) Fritz.
Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Mervin and Annetta Fritz; and brothers, James and Duane Fritz.
Memorials in Irene’s honor may be sent to the Ossian Care Center in Ossian, Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospice in West Union, or St. Peter Lutheran Church in Eldorado.
Visitation will be Sunday, October 26, 2025 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Eldorado. A private burial will be held at a later date.
Irene’s family would like to express many thanks for the excellent care she received from the Ossian Care Center and Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospice.
Schmitz-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Ossian, Iowa is helping the family with the arrangements.