Irene V. Earl, 90

Irene Earl

Pharr, Texas Irene Violet Earl, age 90, of Pharr, Texas and formerly from Blue Earth, passed away at the Rio Grande Regional Hospital, in Pharr, on Jan. 24, 2018. A Celebration of Life gathering was held in Pharr, on Jan. 29, where she lived full time for the past eight years. The family is planning a Memorial Service in Blue Earth on the Saturday of Memorial Weekend.

Irene was born at home in Pipestone, on Jan. 29, 1927 to Otto and Minnie (Gnoke) Schalow. She grew up in Pipestone and graduated from high school there in 1944. Irene worked in the bakery from age 14 through high school. Upon graduation she worked at the local Wards store. In Pipestone she met her future husband of 50 years, Melvin Earl. They were married at the Rock County Courthouse on Feb. 3, 1945 in Luverne, and they immediately left to Missouri where Melvin was serving in the U.S. Army. In 1952 they moved to Blue Earth, where Irene worked for the Green Giant Company for 39 years as a bookkeeper and secretary. To this union, they were blessed with three children, James, Terry, and Candy. Irene loved life, family, and fun. Her favorite activities were golfing, bowling, playing cards, swimming, and bingo. She really enjoyed going to casinos and was a generous contributor to the Minnesota casinos as she generally lost more than she won. She loved watching the Minnesota sports teams, especially the Vikings. Irene was one of the most generous people whether it be the gift of money or her love. She is survived by her son, Terry (Audrey) Earl, of Texas City, Texas, and daughter, Candy Sasse, of Blue Earth, and Pharr, Texas; six grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, seven great-great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, infant son James, two brothers, a son-in-law, and several nephews, nieces, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.