Obituary of Irene Bracke

Irene Bracke passed away peacefully of congestive heart failure on May 7 after 101 amazing years. She was born November 30, 1921, in St. Paul. Preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Stella Riesenweber, husbands; Louis Bracke and John Young, daughter Sonia (Jacqueline), and sisters; Florence Holran, Carol Engle and Virginia Spiel. She is survived by sisters Dorothy Heckman and Marilyn (Arlie) Ferry, her son James (Carol), grandchildren; Christopher and Emily (Jeffrey) Colaizy, great grandchildren; Norah, Ruby, and Emmett, and many loving nieces and nephews. Irene grew up in St. Paul with five sisters and loved spending time with them. After high school Irene worked at Montgomery Ward and married John Young in 1941. After daughter Jacqueline and son James were born and in school, she resumed her career at Whirlpool Corporation where she retired after 31 years. After retirement, she volunteered at Saint John’s Hospital. Irene married Louis Bracke in 1961 and enjoyed 49 years together until his death in 2009. They built a home together on Prosperity Ave. enjoying their yard and working hard to keep their home in tip top shape. They loved traveling and spending time in Arizona. Irene and Louie found a place in Wisconsin to share their love of the outdoors. Although they never built a cabin, they moved a camper to a lakeshore lot where they enjoyed warm summer and fall days. The two could often be spotted fishing, with Irene being the one reeling in a big catch. They also enjoyed stopping at a casino to test their luck. Irene was usually the lucky one leaving with more in her wallet than when she arrived. When not at the lake the two enjoyed going to movies, playing cards, golfing, and dancing. Irene loved listening to music and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They all looked forward to her birthday cards, Christmas packages, and most of all her phone calls. Even at age 101 Irene took great pride in taking care of herself and continued with regular hair appointments. Her outfits often had matching jewelry. Throughout her life people were surprised to learn of her real age as they thought she was much younger. Irene was a kind, caring woman who loved her family and took great pride in all their accomplishments. Her family was equally amazed by her unwavering kindness and positive attitude no matter what life presented. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 13, at 11am at the Anderson Funeral Home at 1401 N. Arcade Street Saint Paul with visitation beginning at 10:00am. In Irene’s true spirit, the family requests you consider doing a random act of kindness.