Oklee – Irene Rosten of Oklee, passed away on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at Poplar Meadows in McIntosh.
Irene Pearl Barsness was born at her grandparents’ farm in Equality Township rural Oklee, on April 11, 1938. As a child she moved into Oklee. She attended and graduated from Oklee High School where she was a valedictorian. Irene was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Oklee.
Irene was united in marriage to John Raymond “Ray” Rosten on May 26, 1956, at Zion Lutheran Church in Oklee, by Pastor Grorud. The couple lived in Milwaukee and Minneapolis before settling on the Rosten family farm in rural Plummer in 1958. This was home for the next 52 years. The family attended Salem Lutheran Church where Irene taught Sunday School and was active in the WELCA holding several offices also receiving the Mary Magdalene award for 59 years of service.
She was a longtime employee at Oklee Quilting, first for Wally Groberg and then later for Loretta Syrtveit. After retiring she volunteered with the Foster Grandparent Program at RLCC Elementary for several years. In her last years, she was a volunteer at the Senior Meal Site and Craft Shop in Oklee.
Irene enjoyed sewing, her flowers, doing crafts and crossword puzzles. She enjoyed playing cards with her group, listening to country gospel music, and reading. She especially loved attending her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s sports and school activities.
Irene is survived by, four children John Rosten of Plummer, Steve (Bernie) Rosten of Plummer, Sandra (Darrell) Tougas of Oklee, and Bradley Rosten of California; grandchildren, Brandon (Francis) Tougas, Jennifer (Pat) O’Neill, Tyler Tougas, Delanie Rosten, Heath (Sarah) Rosten, Jillian, Liam, and Ava Rosten; step-grandchildren, Joe (Andrea) Larson, Annette (Jeff Bothun) Larson; great-grandchildren, Brady, Jacob, Olivia, Sophia, Micah, Peyton, Owen, Quentin, Calvin, Ellianah, William, and Wallace.
Irene is preceded in death by her husband, Ray; mother, Lovina Barsness; brother, Marlin; and her grandparents.
A Celebration of Life for Irene will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Salem Lutheran Church near Oklee, with Reverend Timothy Lundeen officiating.
Burial will be held at Salem Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.
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