IRENE ANNA ELIZA GENZEN

Irene, daughter of Frank and Agnes (Soll) Meggers, was born November 7, 1912, in Westside, Iowa. She was baptized October 26, 1915, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Manilla, and confirmed April 29, 1928, at Zion Lutheran Church in Manning. She grew up in the Aspinwall and Manning area, attending rural school and completing the eighth grade. She then helped raise her brothers and sisters on the family farm.

On October 25, 1933, Irene was united in marriage with Lester Genzen at Zion Lutheran Church. Five children, Phyllis, Daryl, Joycelyn, Beverly, and Royce, were born to this union. In 1934 Lester began farming for himself on rented farms until retiring in 1982, when they moved into Manning. In the fall of 1997, Lester and Irene moved to the Manning Plaza Nursing Home.
On January 11, 1998, Irene died at Manning Regional Healthcare Center following a lengthy illness. She reached the age of 85 years, 2 months, and 4 days.

Irene was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Ladies Guild, Lutheran Laymen's League, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary. She was a 43-year member of the Happy Hour Club. Irene enjoyed quilting, playing cards, gardening and spending time with her grandchildren. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

Besides her parents, Irene was preceded in death by two sisters, Bernice Travis and Norma Phipps; a brother, Milo Meggers; and a granddaughter, Robin Koepke.

She is survived by her husband, Lester Genzen, of Manning; five children: Phyllis and her husband, Robert Hagge of Westside; Daryl Genzen and his wife, Diane of Manning; Joycelyn and her husband, Roger Koepke, of St. Louis, Missouri; Beverly and her husband, Larry Beckman, of Odebolt; and Royce Genzen and his wife, Nancy, of Montclair, California; 16 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; 8 step-grandchildren; 8 step-great-grandchildren; a brother, Donald Meggers and his wife, June, of Lincoln, Nebraska; a sister, Eldora and her husband, Walter Ketelsen, of Charter Oak; and by several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Services were held Wednesday, January 14, 1998 at 10:30 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, Manning, Iowa with Pastor Daniel Vogel officiating.
Organist Fern Jensen provided the music for hymns "I Know That My Redeemer Lives", "How Great Thou Art" and "Beautiful Savior."
Interment was in the Manning Cemetery with all of Irene's grandchildren as casketbearers.
The Ohde Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.


Irene Genzen is buried in the Manning City Cemetery.
Section D Row #37 north - south.