Irene Frances Benesh

Funeral services for Irene F. Benesh, age 89 of Hayward will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2011 at the Hayward Lutheran Church.  Pastor Katie Fick will officiate.  Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery.  Visitation will be Tuesday from 5 – 7:00 p.m. at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the services at the church.  

Irene died on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2011 at Our House in Austin with her family by her side.

Irene F. Benesh was born on February 16, 1922 in Freeborn County the daughter of Frank and Mary (Mudra) Kycek.  She was baptized and confirmed at the Hayward Lutheran Church.  Irene attended grade school in District 35 and graduated from Austin High School in 1939.  She furthered her education at the Austin Normal Teacher Training in Austin in 1940.  Irene taught country school in Freeborn County for a few years.  On May 18, 1946 Irene was united in marriage to James Benesh in Albert Lea. The couple farmed most of their life 3 miles north of Myrtle.  Irene was a member of the Trondhjem Lutheran Church and involved in various WELCA groups at the church where she held various offices.  She was also a member of the Western Fraternal Lodge #44 for over 75 years.  Her enjoyment was her family, friends, church and reading.

Survivors include her children; Elaine (Dave) Monson, Rochester, MN., Arlene (Raymond) Miller, Ellendale, MN., and James, Jr. (Janice) Benesh, rural Austin.  9 grandchildren; Angie (Kris) Lake, Becca (Jim) Lewis, Jason Miller, Corey (Laura) Miller, Wes (Katie) Miller, Michelle (Mike) Wolfe, Amy (Jason) Kelvie, Lisa (Scott) Bucher and Renee Benesh.  14 great-grandchildren; Ashley, Erin & Isabel Lake, Alexa & Brian Lewis, Tyler, Kohan & Hayden Miller, Grace and Ava Wolfe, Mitchell, Brandon & Sycora Kelvie, Amelia Bucher and twin great-grandchildren to be born in October,  sister, Viola Luksik, brothers-in-law, Ernest Benesh and Richard (Marcy) Benesh.  Many nieces and nephews.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband James, granddaughter, Jamie Monson, brother Ludvik Kycek, sister, Alice Chrz, sister-in-law, Helen Kycek and 3 brothers-in-law, Joe Luksik, Frank Chrz and Joseph Benesh.