Irene M. Nelson, 96, died under hospice care on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at her house near Luck, WI.

She was born on August 3, 1928, at Cumberland Hospital to Paul and Rose Falb, dairy farmers in Johnstown Township as the sixth of seven children. Her parents instilled in her at an early age the value of hard work, dedication, and the love of the Lord. Irene went to Pipe Lake Grade School and later graduated from Turtle Lake High School in 1946.

While working and living on the family farm she obtained a teaching certificate through Polk County Normal in 1948. She began teaching in 1949. Irene taught elementary education at a one and two-room schoolhouse. Her first teaching job was at Beaver Brook near Clayton (1949-1951), then McKinley (1951-1952), and LaFollette (1954-1958). She also taught remedial reading part-time at Luck Public School for several years.

In 1964 she married Glenn W. Nelson of Luck and moved to the Luck area where they raised beef cattle and grew vegetables for 36 years on a hobby farm. A testament to their love and dedication are the three evergreen groves they planted in a hayfield that still grows today. Irene left teaching to become a caregiver for her aging parents in her home.

Irene was a master gardener and flower grower with two large gardens that she planted, maintained, and harvested. She spent untold hours in her gardens as well as canning and freezing at harvest times. Irene was also a fantastic cook making meals people loved and cherished for many years.

In August 2000, Glenn, her husband of 36 years passed away. She continued to live in their home surrounded by their evergreens until her passing. As the evergreen groves grew big and tall she often marveled at how the wildlife would frequently wander throughout the yard and trees.

Irene is survived by her son Dale of Luck, WI; Stepson Rock of Fairbanks, Alaska; Stepdaughter Faye of Montrose, Colorado; four granddaughters; one grandson; five great-grandchildren; many beloved nieces and nephews; many beloved great nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband Glenn; parents Paul and Rose Falb; siblings Hattie, Anne, Helen, Susan, Maynard, and Lawrence.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Rowe Funeral Home (206 2nd Ave E, Luck, WI 54853) with visitation one hour before the service. She will be laid to rest at Luck Village Cemetery at a later date.

Last Update: Oct 10, 2024 1:12 pm CDT