Obituary of Irene Williamson

Memorial Tribute Isabelle Irene Williamson, daughter of Lewis Orville and Isabel Clara (Wright) Stanley, was born May 13, 1918 in Onawa, IA. Four more girls would eventually complete the family. Irene, as she preferred to be called, spent her youth, and attended schools in the towns of Onawa, Oto, Larabee and Primghar, IA, graduating from Primghar High School. On August 18, 1941, Irene was united in marriage to William "Bill" John Williamson at her parents' home in Primghar, IA. Following their marriage, the couple began their life together on a farm between Sanborn and Hartley, IA which Bill had purchased in 1939. They were blessed with two sons, Gordon and David. Bill's mother, Minnie, lived with them as well until her death in 1970. Irene enjoyed being a mother and farm wife. She helped Bill where she could, raised a big garden, and their two boys. When Bill died in 1964, Irene attended the Spencer School of Cosmetology in Spencer, IA, graduating in 1969. She then set up a beauty shop in her home which she operated for many years. Along with her full-time job and family, Irene remained active in community affairs. Over the years, she served as Vice-Chairman of the O'Brien County Red Cross, Chairman of Lincoln Township's Farm Bureau, and treasurer of the Presbyterian Church in Sanborn. She volunteered at O'Brien County's Heritage Park and was a Shaklee Health Products distributor for several years. She enjoyed going to the church camp at Okoboji, participating in company product contests, and rarely missed a meeting of the Covey Club. Yet, with her full schedule, Irene always found time for others; whether it was paying a visit to shut-ins, sparking a granddaughter's interest in stamp collecting or helping another with 4-H sewing projects...she lived her life as a servant to others, and she was loved for it. Treasured times were those spent babysitting with her grandchildren. Irene loved to travel! She was an avid member of The Sons of Norway, having been there four times to visit relatives. She and her sisters made two trips to Hawaii, and, after closing the beauty shop, she and her sister, Bea, would "winter" in Arizona together. In quieter times, she discovered the art of poetry, and even put her life's story down on paper; a keepsake as well as a testimony of God's presence in her life. Irene moved to Community Memorial Assisted Living in Hartley in October of 2002, and then to the Health Center in March of 2008. Leisure time was spent playing cards, visiting with friends, working crossword puzzles or knitting. Since her grandchildren were the light of her life, she made sure they each received an afghan she had made. Irene passed from this life on February 19, 2015 at the age of 96. Thankful for having shared her life are her sons, Gordon (Roxanne) Williamson of Hartley, IA and David (Judy) Williamson of Okabena, MN; two grandchildren: Mia Williamson of Sioux Falls, SD, and Mindy Peters of Beverly Hills, CA; great-grandchildren: Jordan Heathcott and Kendyl Peters; sisters: Beatrice Powers of Primghar, IA, and Ethel DeWald of Watertown, SD; step-grandchildren: Penny Hoffman of Emmetsburg, IA, Craig Pattan of Worthington, MN and Jeff Pattan of Hartford, SD; other relatives and friends. Preceding her in death were her parents, Lewis and Isabel; her husband, Bill; grandson, Jeremy Williamson; sisters: Pearl Lemkuil and Herberta Olhausen, and half-brother, Oscar Larsen. Celebration of Life Irene Williamson Born ~ May 13, 1918 Died ~ February 19, 2015 Age ~ 96 years 9 months 6 days Memorial Service Thursday, February 26, 2015 ~ 11:00 a.m. Presbyterian Church Sanborn, Iowa Clergy ~ Pastor Gregg Johnson Organist ~ Judy Dykstra Congregational Singing "Beautiful Savior" "How Great Thou Art" "Amazing Grace" "Abide With Me" Pallbearers Frank Powers Dennis Powers Chuck Missman Jerry DeWald Craig Pattan Jeff Pattan Honorary Pallbearers Richard Powers Eddie DeWald Val DeWald Chari Erlandson Yvonne Nigg Interment East Lawn Cemetery Sheldon, Iowa