James Irlbeck

There will be a Parish Prayer Service Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. James William Irlbeck was born August 23, 1951, in Springfield, MN, the son of Leo and Ellen (Schmidt) Irlbeck. He graduated from Wabasso High School in 1969 and enlisted in the Army National Guard where he served until 1976. Jim trained in Washington, D.C. and was later transferred to Seattle. He was united in marriage to Elizabeth 'Betty' Polzin on July 14, 1973, at St. Mathias Catholic Church. Jim took over the family farm in 1973 where he raised hogs, cattle and chickens. He was a member of St. Mathias Catholic Church, Wanda American Legion Post #385, and past President of the Wanda Elevator Board. Jim enjoyed fishing, farming, going up north, playing pool, and hunting. Jim was friendly to all he met and enjoyed playing practical jokes on his friends. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. James William Irlbeck died Wednesday, July 29, 2009, at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, CT at the age of 57 years. He is survived by wife Betty of rural Sanborn; children- Chad and wife Beth Irlbeck of Wabasso and their children, Skylar, Olivia, and Wyatt; Dave and wife Karen Irlbeck of Lamberton and their children, Austin and Mason; Nicole Irlbeck and fiance' Trent Richter of Windsor, CT and their children, Paige Irlbeck and Onnika Richter; Patrick Irlbeck of Sanborn; and Michael Irlbeck of Sanborn; mother Ellen Irlbeck of Wabasso; sisters- Kathleen (Bob) Riley of Lamberton, Molly (Dave) Kosel of Wanda, and Joyce Irlbeck of Wabasso; and brother Ron (Rose) Irlbeck of Wanda. He was preceded in death by his father Leo; and sisters- Carol Riley and Agnes Knapp.