Irene Gabe

Irene Gabe, 98, of Greene, passed away Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at the Clarksville Skilled Care and Rehabilitation Center. Visitation will be held 10:30 a.m. to noon, Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Woodley Funeral Home and Crematory, Greene.

Irene Jeanette Gabe was born Jan. 8, 1927, in Ortonville, Minn., a daughter of Darrell and Anna (Shaw) Merfeld. They later moved to Cloquette, Minn., where her father worked at the match factory.

Irene would visit family at Powersville, Iowa and at the Powersville Dance Hall. There she met the love of her life, Walter Gabe. They were married Aug. 4, 1946, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua.

As a farm wife, Irene worked hard caring for her children, feeding hired hands, keeping a large garden raising cattle, hogs and chickens. And helping neighbors when the need arrived.

Irene and Walter were members of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Charles City. They frequently went dancing and were in bowling leagues for many years. They were members of the Moose Lodge in Charles City and enjoyed card clubs with the neighbors, especially playing 500 and BINGO. Irene liked to embroider and made many tablecloths and throws.

Family member include her son, Dennis (Linnea) Gabe, Greene; grandson: Eric (Bethany) Gabe, Fruitland, Iowa; great grandchildren: Leah and Landon; and many nieces and nephews.

Irene is preceded by her husband Walter, son Donald Gabe and daughter-in-law Sally, parents Darrell and Anna Merfeld, and her brother Wayne Merfeld.

Woodley Funeral Home and Crematory, Greene.