Irene O'Connor
August 27, 1934 ~ May 31, 2023
Irene Eleanor O'Connor, 88, of Cedar Rapids, died on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, peacefully of natural causes. Visitation: 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, June 4, 2023, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids. Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. on Monday, June 5, 2023, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, by Reverend Jon Seda. Burial: Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.
Survivors include her children, Patrick (Angie) O'Connor of Cedar Rapids, Jolene (Mark) Myers of Waukee, Janelle (Steve) Roe of Cedar Rapids and Janine (Brian) Glass of West Des Moines; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren, her sister, Cathy Boddicker; and sister-in-law, Diana Schilling.
Irene was born August 27, 1934, to Joseph and Eleanor (Menke) Rueter in Salem, Iowa, and grew up on the family's farm. She graduated from St. John's High School in Houghton, Iowa, Class of 1952. She attended Burlington Business College and graduated in 1955. Irene married Harold Jerome "Jerry" O'Connor on July 2, 1966, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, where they were longtime members, and enjoyed raising their family of four over the next 50 years.Growing up a farm kid she loved helping her dad with the animals, more than the kitchen duties, like cooking. Her strong work ethic continued into her 20s when she moved to the Cedar Rapids area and was employed by local businesses Coe College, Kent Feed and Manpower. She enjoyed dancing and this is how she met her husband, Jerry. Irene was a dedicated mom to her own kids. She also ran a home daycare from 1970s to 2000s. She met many great families along the way. She eventually retired to spend more time with family.
In retirement, Irene enjoyed dining out and taking care of her home. She liked to stay busy and well into her 80s she'd run the riding mower or be outside raking leaves.
She had a good wit and humorous spirit that endeared her to many. She will be greatly missed. Her memory will live on in our hearts.
Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry; her parents; and siblings, Bill and Carl Rueter and Tina Weepie.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Meals on Wheels.
Those unable to attend are invited to watch the service via livestream. Please find the livestream link on Irene's Tribute Wall and share your support and memories with her family
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services – Cedar Rapids
We are so sorry for your loss.Love, travis, Erika, alli and Alex johnson
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Much love to you all.
Our sympathies to you during this difficult time.
We are sending love and hugs to you all, with our deepest sympathy.
Although we are not family in body, Irene took us in and we became part of your family. We watched your family go though the great times and a few rough times. We watched as, all of you kids, grew into responsible, kind and loving adults. Irene and Jerry are proud parents, always watching over you. We share in your grief and know that our memories will heal us! Irene and Jerry are at peace in God’s house.
The Thurston and Geiter families
Our sincere condolences to everyone that was a part of Irene’s life. We didn’t know Irene but from all the comments we have read she was a wonderful person and truly loved. Please know that so many people share your grief with you and will help you though this difficult time. Something we have personally found to be of great comfort are the thoughts expressed in the Bible at John 5:28 “all those in the memorial tombs will hear his (Jesus) voice and come out “. May God Jehovah comfort you during this sad time in your life.
So sorry to hear about your loss. Irene was always one of my favorite people, a wonderful wife, mom, grandmother, friend, and to me, a loving cousin. She always had a smile and a genuine spirit. I know she is very happy to be renunited with Jerry, her longtime love! God bless all of you as you grieve the loss of your beautiful mom! ❤️