Irene Rose Sterner

Irene Rose Sterner passed away with her daughters by her side on May 12, 2022 after a brief battle with cancer. Irene lived a full life just shy of 90 years, mostly in and around Akeley, Minnesota and Muscatine, Iowa. Her most recent residence was Corvallis, Oregon.

Irene, one of ten children of Matthew and Clara (Menning) Biessener, was born in Akeley on June 4, 1932. After she graduated from high school, Irene joined the army and trained to be a nurse. She used her nursing skills in many contexts, but most of her professional achievements happened over a period of 27 years as the co-owner with her husband, Leo, of Sterner’s Upholstery in Muscatine.

Irene retired and returned to northern Minnesota where she and Leo spent time fishing, gardening, traveling, enjoying family, and volunteering to improve their community. Among other skills and interests, Irene was an avid reader and excellent seamstress.

Irene is survived by her daughter Ruth (Steve) Jacobs, daughter Mary (Tom) Thomas, grandchildren Jennifer Jacobs and Bryan (Kristine) Jacobs, and great grandchildren Olivia and Abigail Jacobs. She also is survived by her sister Louise Czeczok, several brothers- and sisters-in-law, and many nieces, nephews, and their children.

In lieu of flowers, you might consider a donation to SMART Reading of Oregon (https://smartreading.org), an organization that provides reading support and books to children. Irene always appreciated the importance of reading as a skill that serves as a pathway for children to success.