Irene M. Ertz

Irene Mary, daughter of Joseph and Josephine (Haberl) Steffes, was born May 7, 1920 in Roselle, Iowa. She was the third child of nine born into the family. Irene lived on a farm with her family near Roselle and attended Holy Angels School where she completed the 8th grade. She kept very busy after finishing school by working for area families and on the family farm. Irene met her future husband at dances that were held around the Carroll County area. Irene was united in marriage with Leo Ertz on May 28, 1941 at the Holy Angels Catholic Church in Roselle. They lived on a farm near Maple River then moved to Templeton for some time. Later they farmed near Westside before making their home in the Manilla area. Irene was a member of Sacred Heart Parish in Manilla and the Altar and Rosary Society. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother. Irene stayed busy raising her chickens and tending to her large garden. She enjoyed canning, baking and making rosaries as well as playing the guitar, accordion and organ. Also, Irene was an amazing quilter and made many quilts and afghans for her children and grandchildren. She was employed at Tiny's Grocery for several years and did a lot of wallpapering and upholstered furniture for others. In November of 2013 Irene and Leo entered the Manilla Manor Nursing Home. She died unexpectedly early Thursday morning November 5, 2015 at the Crawford County Memorial Hospital in Denison at the age of 95 years 5 months and 29 days. Preceding her in death are her husband of 72 years, Leo Ertz in 2013; parents; sisters Hilda Schroeder and Lucille Galloway; brother Norbert Steffes and son-in-law Garnie Sievertsen. Irene is survived by her children Joleen Sievertsen of Manilla, Elaine Johnson (Ron) of Ft. Dodge, Sharon Mosher (Richard) of Moravia, Allan Ertz (Carol) of Des Moines, Norman Ertz (Renae) of Denison and Brian Ertz (Michele) of Manilla; 14 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren; 11 step great grandchildren; sisters Betty Wittrock of Jefferson, Florence Kokenge of Carroll, Bernice Irlmeier of Carroll and Coletta Wernimont of Fonda; brother Lawrence Steffes of Carroll; sister-in-law Dixie Steffes of New Hampton; other relatives and friends. Reverend John Gerald, Celebrant Eucharistic Minister Nobert Kasperbauer Gift Bearers Irene's Children Lector Mass Servers Norbert Kasperbauer Jarod & Tyler Henkelman Music "Here I Am Lord" "Amazing Grace" "How Great Thou Art" "On Eagles Wings" Sacred Heart Choir Marilyn Backhaus, Organist Casket Bearers Irene's Grandchildren Jeffrey Sievertsen, Dennis Onken, Donny Ertz, David Ertz, Jeremy Ertz, Josh Ertz, Jacob Ertz, Lori Gaskill, Lisa Borkowski, Sandy Koenen, Stacy Steward, Daniel Ertz, Allyssa Ertz, Jennifer Gaskill Honorary Casket Bearers Great Grandchildren Kayla Jacobson, Jarad Gaskill, Lukas Sievertsen, Lynsie Sievertsen, Branden Carlson, Caden Borkowski, Kyle Borkowski, Emma Borkowski, Dennis Onken, Diana Onken, Alex Koenen, Joey Koenen, Noah Ertz, Chloe Steward, Megan Steward, David Ertz, Daniel Ertz, Olivia Gaskill And Great Great Grandchildren Lincoln Ertz, Claire Jacobson, Finley Little