Irene Pooley

Irene Gladys Sletta Chute Pooley, age 90, of Mankato, formerly of St. James, died on Tuesday, April 19, 2011, at Immanuel-St. Joseph Hospital in Mankato. Irene Gladys Sletta was born on June 28, 1920. Irene graduated from St. James High School and Mankato State Teachers College. She taught in Watonwan County at District #36, #38, and #57. She married Marlow S. Chute in 1945 and he died in a plane crash in 1951 leaving her with three little children, Geraldine, Jene, and Steven Chute. Irene worked as a bookkeeper at LaSalle Grain Company. The fall of 1972 Irene married Winton V. Pooley. After Winton's death in 1996 Irene remained on the Pooley farm until November 2008 when she moved to Pathstone Crossing in Mankato. She was a member of East Sveadahl Lutheran Church. She served as Sunday school superintendent and teacher, devotional leader, active in ladies aid, Christian Women, Round Robin group, 4-H leader, Cub Scout leader, extension and garden groups, Sons of Norway, great cook and Scandinavian baker (had lefse license), quilter, addicted to word find puzzles and the MN Twins, loved traveling, reading (especially poetry), playing card games and bingo and worshipping with Pathstone members. Irene was an avid family historian with her dear cousin Sylvia Meagher. Irene is survived by her children: Geraldine (Milan) Skarphol of Mankato, Jene Chute of Keller, Texas, and Steven (Jeanna) Chute of Madelia, six grandchildren: Shannon (Clark) Skarphol-Kaml Stacy Fang and special friend Chris Russo, Jennifer Chute, Joshua Chute, Jerred Chute and Jillian Chute, great-grandchildren: Siri Skarphol-Kaml and Sonja Skarphol-Kaml (third to be born in July), sisters-in-law: Jane Skarphol, Goldie Kintzi, Rose Chute, and Marguerite Hauberg.