Irene Utz

She was born January 26, 1914, in Leavenworth Township, Brown County to Joseph and Emma (Hartnick) Krzmarzick. She attended St. Mary's Catholic School and graduated in 1931. She then attended Normal Training at Sleepy Eye Public School, teaching in rural school in Brown County for 6 years. One June 12, 1939, she married Otto G. Utz at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. She was a member of St. Raphael's Church, CCW, former long-time member of a Bible Study Club, a member of St. Raphael's Craft Group, St. John's Auxiliary, Senior Citizens of which she was secretary for 16 years, financial secretary for Men's C.O.F. for 16 years, secretary for St. Boniface Catholic Aid for 7 years, and worked part time in St. Raphael's School Cafeteria for 10 years. She was the Outstanding Senior Citizen of Brown County in 1995, received the Community Service Award in 1996, and the Bishops Medal in 1998. She was also a rosary leader for many years. Irene enjoyed sewing rugs, crafts, playing cards, music, playing the piano, reading, gardening, and being with her family, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Irene Utz, age 93 of Springfield died on Thursday, October 18, 2007 at St. John Lutheran Home in Springfield, MN. Surviving Irene are sons - Robert and wife Rosie of Lakeville, Gerald and wife Patricia of LeRoy, and Thomas and wife Marie of Kasson; daughters - Janice and husband Stephen Tempel of Morgan, and Joleen and husband Dennis Tempel of Hayfield; 24 grandchildren; 30 great grandchildren; a brother - Linus and wife Angeline Krzmarzick of Sleepy Eye; sisters - Gladys Hoffmann of Sleepy Eye and Alyce Schumacher of Springfield; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband - Otto in 1979; sisters - Marcella Krzmarzick, Martha Moldan, and Agnes Kessler; brothers - Clarence Krzmarzick and Sylvester Krzmarzick. Also brothers-in-law - John Kessler, Leo Hoffmann, Gerald Schumacher, Anton Moldan, and a sister-in-law - Alice Krzmarzick.