Irdene A. Oldenburg, 89

Irdene Oldenburg

Blue Earth Irdene Arlet Manske Christianson Oldenburg was born Nov. 8, 1926. She passed away peacefully on Oct. 14, 2016 at her daughter’s home in South Haven. Irdene is the daughter of Harry and Laura Manske, and step-mom, Emma Manske. Irdene graduated from Blue Earth High School and started her career as a secretary in the Blue Earth School District offices. She married Orlo Christianson in 1947 and they had four children. Following the death of Orlo after 50 years of marriage, Irdene married Robert Oldenburg.

As a young girl, Irdene was involved in 4-H and learned many skills. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, painting, making greeting cards, genealogy, embroidery, traveling, fishing, and baking. Her fresh-baked cinnamon rolls were a favorite of many of her grand-children and children. Irdene held positions at Naeve Hospital (Albert Lea), Chamber of Commerce (Crossett, Arkansas), and 23 years at PCA (Production Credit Assoc.) in Blue Earth.

Irdene and Orlo were founding members of a Lutheran church in Crossett, Arkansas. She has been an active lifetime member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.

Irdene was a member and President of the local Ladies Auxiliary VFW.

She enjoyed traveling and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Irdene truly exemplified Christlike characteristics of charity for others, particularly in the health and welfare care she provided for decades to her step-mom, Emma, then Orlo, and then Bob.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Laura Manske; step-mom Emma Manske; her first husband; Orlo Christianson; and second husband, Robert Oldenburg.

She is survived by her four children, John, of Mankato, Diane (Steve) Iverson, of Logan, Utah; Patricia (Dan) Fasching, of South Haven, and Susan (Lowell) Cary, of Fort Collins, Colorado; and 14 grandchildren, Kim, Nick, Kelli, Josh, Jeremy, Christian, Seth, Anna, Jon, Jessica, Kevin, Julie, Sarah, and Becky; and 34 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Monday, Oct. 17, 2016 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Blue Earth, Pastor Larry Griffin presided. Interment followed the service at Riverside Cemetery in Blue Earth.

In lieu of flowers, it was Irdene’s wish to have friends make donations to Hospice Care or Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City where her five-year-old great-grandson, Henry, is undergoing chemo/radiation treatments for cancer.

Online condolences may be left at www.pattonfh.com.