Irene Olinger

Irene Marie Bartscher Olinger, 93, of Albert Lea, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Nov. 12 after a courageous battle with cancer. Throughout her illness, Irene maintained the strength, humor, kindness, appreciation for beauty, and deep love of family that defined her character. Even in her final days, Irene expressed profound gratitude for her long and fulfilling life, rich with cherished memories. Her life centered around faith and family, which guided her through nine decades of devotion and love.

Irene was born in Fedora S.D. in 1932 to Henry and Eleanora Bartscher. She enjoyed a close relationship with her seven brothers and sisters. She graduated from St. Peter's Catholic School in Farmer, SD. On Aug. 18, 1953, she was united in marriage to Wilfred Olinger at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Farmer, S.D.

Irene was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who treasured time spent with her family. She found joy in decorating, cooking, shopping, and hosting beautiful family gatherings. Irene took immense pride in all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren celebrating each of their accomplishments and milestones. Irene enjoyed renovating houses in the Albert Lea area, working alongside her beloved husband Wilfred(Bill). Her career centered on working with and teaching children. She began teaching in South Dakota and later was employed by the Albert Lea school district for many years. Her loving and caring nature for all her students shined. After retirement, she continued her dedication to young people by volunteering at Saint Theodore Catholic school.

Irene had a deep and devoted faith that she shared with her family. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her. She is survived by children, Bonnie (Glenn) Erickson-Karwoski of Minneapolis MN, Ronald (Peggy) Olinger of St. Joseph, MO, Janet (Robert) Hartman of Albert Lea, MN, Terry (Paula) Olinger of Great Falls, MT, Sharon (David) Harris of Lacrosse, WI, Jodi Eschrich and Clay Babcock, of Golden Valley, MN, Patti (Dennis) Trabing of Prior Lake, MN, Kristi (Steven) Kreun of Albert Lea, MN, daughter-in-law, Cindy (Mike) Oquist of Monticello, MN.; grandchildren: Brooke Jordan, Alex Erickson and Katie (Nick) Mascioli-Erickson, Christopher (Nicole) Olinger, Michael Olinger, Sarah (Kurt) Albin, Robert (Sarah) Hartman, Amie (Andrew) Wold, Ryan (Becky) Hartman and Ted Hartman, Stacey (Jake) Wieberdink, Jessica (Seth) Pearson and Daniel (Taylor) Olinger, Benjamin (Brittney) Harris and Lauren Harris, Adam (Lyndsi) Olinger, Jacob (Samantha) Olinger and DeDe Olinger, Emmy (Ross) Moody, Alyssa (Jordan) Harrington and Maggie Eschrich and Carter Olsen, Erica (Aaron) Jenny, Drew (Joanna) Trabing and Sonnie Trabing, Steven Kreun, Jonathan (Ashton) Kreun, William Kreun, Joseph Kreun and Timothy Kreun; thirty-six great-grandchildren; sisters, Alice Schleich, Maureen Weber, Georgie Weber, Connie Bukacek; and sisters-in-law, Leona Bartscher and Teresa Bartscher. Irene was preceded in death by her beloved husband Wilfred Olinger and son Timothy Olinger; son-in-law Roger Erickson, her parents; her brothers, Don Bartscher, Robert Bartscher and Eugene Bartscher; brothers-in-laws: Nick Scheich, Don Weber, Delbert Weber, Jerome Bukacek, and her parents Elenora Bartscher and Henry Bartscher.

Rosary will be said at 9:30 AM, followed by visitation at 10:00 AM. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Nov. 17, at St. Theodore Catholic Church. Father Kurt Farrell will officiate. Luncheon will follow at Marian Hall, Saint Theodore. Interment will be in St. Theodore Catholic Cemetery. Memorials preferred to St. Theodore Catholic School.