Died Sunday May 8, 2016 at the Good Samaritan Center in Scribner.
Irene was born April 19, 1918 to Frank and Helen 'Weimann' Dirkschneider southwest of Snyder and grew up in the Snyder area. She attended St. Leo's Catholic School and graduated in 1933. She married Harry Smeal on October 14, 1940 and raised two sons. Irene was a member of St. Leo's Catholic Church and the St. Leo's and Christian Mothers guilds.
Survivors:
Son Robert Smeal and life partner Leah Springer of Scribner
Granddaughters Jody (Jerry) Scoggins of North Bend
Penny Smeal of Beemer
Great grandchildren Amber Paulsen and special friend Drew Welsh
Sabrina Adams, Cameron Adams & Ethan Adams
Great great granddaughter Aiyana Welsh
many cousins and friends
Irene was preceded in death by her husband Harry, son Ronald, sisters Gladys and Grace Dirkschneider, brother Ervin Dirkschneider, great grandson Aiden Adams and niece Patricia Dirkschneider.
The funeral mass will be 10am Friday at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Snyder. Burial will follow in the St. Leo's Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Snyder with the family present from 4-7pm and a Wake Service at 7pm. Memorials are suggested to the St. Leo's and Christian Mothers guild or Nebraska Fur Harvesters.
Ludvigsen's Scribner Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Online guestbook at www.hooper-scribner.com
Condolences(5)
Jerry & Michelle Gates
Anchorage, AK Friday, May 13, 2016 Our thoughts are with all of Irene's family at this time. The memories we have of Irene, her joy of the sights when she visited Alaska, and her writing will be with us always. Her concerns for others will be missed.Karen Kennedy
Omaha, NE Friday, May 13, 2016 Bob - Our hearts are saddened by your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My family knew Irene and Harry for many years. She was such a great friend to my mother (Lucille Young).Karen Kennedy
Chris Paasch
Lawrence, KS Wednesday, May 11, 2016 We are sorry for your loss. Please know that we will be praying for Irene and all of you during this time of celebration of a long and full life and of loss for those who are left behind.Mary (Schulte) Johnson
Pleasanton, NE Tuesday, May 10, 2016 Extending our sympathy in the loss of your mom. Great memories of seeing your parents visiting mine. (LAWRENCE AND HELEN SCHULTE) . Unfortunately we have not kept the close ties our parents, cousins shared. We always made a point of finding Irene whenever in the area. Sending our love and prayers.Kathy Pranke
Fort Morgan, CO Monday, May 9, 2016 There are no words to express how much Irene will be missed, or how much she was loved.So many memories.....