Obituary of Irene Springer

Irene I. Springer, 86, of Crown was peacefully taken into the arms of her Savior on Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at The Villages of North Branch. Irene was born February 8, 1925 in Anoka County, Minnesota to Herman and Marie (Bahr) Warner. She graduated from St. Francis High School. In 1943, Irene married Walter Springer. She lived her entire adult life on the Springer Family Farm in Crown where she raised four children. As a farm wife, Irene was made famous by her family and friends for her dill pickles, a jar, once opened, was soon emptied. After her children were in school, Irene worked for Volunteers of America for 16 years in a supervisory position at a residential treatment center. Later she worked for 10 years as a volunteer part-time secretary at her church. She also served as the Stanford Township Treasurer and as President of her local senior's organization. Irene believed in sharing whatever she was able. This included inviting homeless boys to spend a holiday with her family, housing a German exchange student, and many other volunteer activities for her church. She was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church of Crown. She was an adventurous person who loved to travel and was fascinated by the stories brought back by missionaries serving in other lands. She enjoyed knitting afghans, making quilts, crocheting, embroidering, Bible study, crossword puzzles, and above all, any card game. She often joked that her biggest disappointment in life was that none of her children enjoyed playing card games. Irene was preceded in death by her parents, husband Walter, son Steven , two brothers and two sisters. She is survived by her daughters, Nancy Lytle of Apple Valley, Diane of St. Petersburg, FL, son Randy (Judy) of Crown, six grandchildren, six great grandchildren, as well as other loving relatives and friends.