Irene Rose Jordeth

Irene Rose Jordeth, 100 years old, died peacefully in her sleep with her daughter, Rexene, by her side on January 20, 2021 in Arvada, CO. Irene was born on April 14, 1920 to William and Caroline Lammle in Roscoe, SD. Irene shared her birthday with two of her grandsons, Kai and Brett Jordeth. Irene was the oldest of four siblings. Irene completed high school in Roscoe, SD and went on to Yankton College and graduated from Huron College in SD with a B.A. While teaching in Delmont, SD she met her husband, Rex Warren Jordeth (1920 – 1973). Prior to their marriage Rex enlisted in the Army Air Corps and was called to service in the South Pacific. Irene followed Rex’s family to Seattle, WA and lived with his parents while working at Boeing Aircraft. She was featured as a vocal soloist on the Boeing Radio Hour and on a Christmas album produced by their employees. They were married after Rex’s service in WWII on May 16, 1945 in Roscoe, SD. She and Rex had two children, Rexene Kay and William Thorvald. Rex was hired as principal in Bryant, SD and Irene taught there as well. They moved on to Aberdeen, SD where Rex furthered his education. They settled in Miller, SD where Rex was the high school principal and Irene taught as a music and choral teacher. Rex and Irene along with daughter Rexene took a leave of absence from teaching in Miller, SD when Rex was called up to Alaska during the Korean conflict with the National Guard 1950 – 1951. They returned to Miller, SD and continued their careers in education. Irene has been remembered by many of her grateful music students. She received the South Dakota Music Education Award in 1983 for her efforts. She served as organist and choir director at First Presbyterian Church in Miller, SD for many years. She was also a loyal and devoted member of P.E.O. for almost 60 years. In 1988 Irene moved to Phoenix, AZ to be closer to her brother, Walter Lammle. She spent an active retirement enjoying golf, bridge, Phoenix Suns basketball, Arizona Diamondbacks baseball, Denver Broncos football. In 2013 Irene moved to Westminster, CO, as she came to the realization that she shouldn’t live alone anymore. She resided in an independent retirement facility called San Marino Retirement Community only minutes away from her daughter Rexene. She remained there until the 2020 pandemic hit and due to increased nursing needs, she moved to The Well House in Arvada, CO, where she passed away. Irene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Rex Jordeth, sister Erma, brother Arnie Lammle and grandson Christopher Alan Kvien. She is survived by her brother Walter Lammle of Phoenix, AZ. Daughter Rexene Kay Kvien (Steve) of Arvada, CO, and son William Thorvald Jordeth (Kimberly) of Colorado Springs, CO. Grandsons Matthew William Kvien (Rachel) of Arvada, CO; Kai Edward Jordeth (Kristen) of Lone Tree, CO,; Brett Alan Jordeth of Colorado Springs, CO. Great grandchildren: Jack Andrew Jordeth (Brett’s son) Kenna Mae Jordeth (Kai’s daughter) Kelley William Kvien (Matt’s son) Matt and Rachel are expecting twins in May 2021. Funeral services will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Miller, SD at a future date to be determined. She will be buried next to her husband Rex, at GAR Cemetery in Miller, SD. Memorial contributions in Irene’s memory may be made to the First Presbyterian Church P.O. Box 63, 321 W 1st Ave., Miller, SD 57362.