Johnson Funeral Service, Oklee, MN

Irene Noyes, 93, of Oklee, MN died peacefully on Monday, July 3, 2017 at McIntosh Senior Living in McIntosh, MN.

Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, July 8, 2017 at Zion Lutheran Church in Oklee, MN with Rev. Gordon Syverson officiating.  Burial will follow at Zion Cemetery in Oklee, MN.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

Irene Emila Opdahl was born on April 17, 1924 in Hill River Township, Polk County, MN the daughter of Andrew and Mabel (Knutson) Opdahl.  She was baptized and confirmed at Vernes Lutheran Church, rural McIntosh, MN.  She attended Lindsey Country School and McIntosh High School.

On September 9, 1941, Irene was united in marriage to Joe Christianson at the Lutheran parsonage in Fosston, MN.  They lived in Oklee for most of their married lives.  To this union three children were born, JoAnn, IdaMae and Gene.  Joe passed away in 1976.

Irene loved to sew; she made many dresses for the Oklee Centennial, bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses as well as other clothing.  She also enjoyed embroidery, knitting, crocheting, fishing and camping at Pine Lake, reading, playing cards with the grandkids, and especially enjoyed spending time with her family.  Irene always enjoyed attending worship services throughout her life.

Irene was a long time member of Zion Lutheran Church in Oklee where she held many offices.  Irene was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans Of Foreign Wars Post 6891 and a member of the Oklee Bridge Club.  She worked at the Sovde Store, for Bill Seeger at the Hardware Store, sewed for Wally Groberg and then went to Inter County in Oklee where she worked until she was age 80.

Irene had the best personality; she never complained, was always smiling and could see the best in people.

In November of 1980, Irene was united in marriage to Walter Noyes at Zion Lutheran Church in Oklee.  The couple continued to reside in Oklee.  Irene moved to Country Place in Erskine, MN in 2006 where she resided until 2013 when she moved to McIntosh Senior Living.

Survivors include her children, JoAnn Ekeberg of McIntosh, MN, IdaMae Larsen of Cudahy, WI and Gene (Mary) Christianson of Franklin, WI; 7 grandchildren, Jeff (Kay) Christopherson, Kevin Christopherson, Richard (Shelby) Salvhus, Kelly Salvhus, Billy (Valarie) Salvhus, Shannon (Kirk) Lilly, Scott (Jackie) Christianson; numerous great-grandchildren; one great great-granddaughter; brothers, Lloyd (Ardell) Opdahl of Oklee, MN, Wendell (Hilda) Opdahl of Trail, MN and Galen (Betty) Opdayl of Cudahy, WI; and many other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husbands; parents; and sister, Marion (Ray) Richardson.

Condolences may be sent to www.johnsonfuneralservice.com