Irene Holm

May 06, 2016

New Richmond, Wisconsin

Irene Ruth Holm age 84 from New Richmond, WI. passed away on May 6, 2016. She was born on March 1, 1932 in Star Prairie Township to Rufus & Alvina (Lutz) Strohbeen. On May 15, 1932 she was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in East Farmington, and was confirmed there on July 29, 1945. She attended Squaw Lake School, a one room schoolhouse, through the eighth grade; then graduated high school in 1950 from New Richmond, Wisconsin. Subsequently she attended Polk County Normal School, and graduated with a teaching degree in 1952, going on to teach elementary school at Somerset, Cylon, and Woodville, Wisconsin. From 1955 to 1957, she lived in California and worked for Hancock Oil Company in Long Beach. After returning to Wisconsin, she married Herbert Holm on June 6, 1959 and the couple was soon blessed with three daughters. The family lived in Stillwater, Minnesota until 1965. They then built a home and moved to Houlton, Wisconsin where Irene was a homemaker until her compassionate nature and love for teaching led her back to work as a Title I Teacher at Houlton Elementary School. Prior to her retirement, she worked in the school library where she recovered numerous discarded books to read to her grandchildren. Upon her retirement in 1994 she enjoyed traveling around the country with her husband Herb, eventually visiting each of the 50 states. The couple moved to Superior in 2003 and lived there until 2011 when they settled in New Richmond. Her greatest joy was spending time with family and friends, and she will be remembered for her loving spirit, compassionate nature, and thoughtfulness. Countless hours were spent penning cards and notes to friends and family. Some were just to say hello; others were written to commemorate special occasions and holidays. She loved her church community, and frequently volunteered her time to church activities. Irene is survived by her loving husband Herb of 57 years; children, Kathleen Holm, Cynthia Smith, Susan Holm; son in law, Scott Jost; grandchildren, Elise Zeller, Zachary Zeller, Anthony Smith III, Dean Smith, Evan Jost, June Holm; great grandchild, April Grace Powell; sisters, Lucille Strohbeen, Bernice Neidermire; and brother Russell (Ina Mae) Strohbeen. Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM Wednesday May 11, 2016 at the First Lutheran Church, 218 County Road K New Richmond, WI 54017. Visitation will be 4-7 PM Tuesday May 10, 2016 at the Cullen Crea Funeral home at 307 South Arch Ave. in New Richmond, WI 54017, and also one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in East Farmington, WI. Memorials preferred to your local food shelves.