Irene Gerlach

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Obituary

Irene Gerlach, 83, of Mitchell, SD, passed away Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at Avera Brady Health and Rehab in Mitchell. Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM Saturday, March 1, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mitchell, with visitation one hour prior. Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery in Mitchell. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Irene Emma Gerlach was born June 6, 1941 to Wilhelm and Alvina (Burmeister) Gerlach. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran church, rural Dimock. She attended rural grade school and then attended two years of high school in Parkston.

Irene moved to Mitchell with her parents in 1964 and helped care for them until their deaths, allowing them to stay in their home.

Irene worked in the housekeeping department for St. Joseph Hospital, now Avera Queen of Peace Hospital for 42 years until she retired in 2006. Irene was a dedicated hard worker. She was a charter member of the Avera Queen of Peace LAMPS.     

Irene was a faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Mitchell. In her younger years, she enjoyed embroidery, crafts, making jeweled calendars, cooking and baking, especially the famous family dumplings. She loved angels and collected many over the years.

In 2021 due to declining health, she became a permanent resident at Avera Brady Nursing Home in Mitchell, where she was loved and cared for until she was called to her heavenly home on February 25, 2025.

She considered her nieces and nephews her own and enjoyed spending time with them as often as she could. Irene proudly displayed all of the pictures she received from them and their growing families.

While at the nursing home, she loved to visit, play Bingo and participated in every activity she could. She enjoyed watching her daily soaps and Hallmark movies.

Irene is survived by her sister, Wilma Triebwasser of Dell Rapids, brother, Vernon (Charlene) Gerlach of Mitchell, 12 nieces, five nephews, and many great nieces & nephews and their families.

She preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Esther Hohn and Anita Beiswanger; brothers-in-law, Alfred Hohn, Norman Beiswanger, and Leland Triebwasser; and niece, Diana Hohn.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to Trinity Lutheran Church, Mitchell. 

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