Irene Sather

Hazel Irene Sather, 90, of Greenbush, MN, died Friday forenoon, February 13, 2015 in LifeCare Greenbush Manor at Greenbush, MN.

Irene Sather was born Hazel Irene Johnson, the daughter of Ole & Agnes (Fugleberg) Johnson on February 3, 1925 in Roseau, MN. She was baptized and confirmed at Moe Lutheran Church in Roseau. She grew up in Roseau and graduated from Roseau High School in 1943. She worked for Reinhart Brothers in Minneapolis and Citizens State Bank in Roseau.

Irene married Milton Roy Sather on August 22, 1954 at Moe Lutheran Church in Roseau by Rev. A.C. Rykken. They moved to Greenbush where they owned and operated Sather’s Clothing from 1959 to 1986. Irene worked at the Greenbush State Bank and the Greenbush Insurance Agency for many years. She also was the Assistant Executive Director of Housing & Redevelopment Authority of Greenbush (Elderbush). Irene was an active member at Bethel Lutheran Church of Greenbush and its Women’s Groups.

Irene was a wonderful cook and baker.  The coffee pot was always on and there were always goodies ready to serve to guests.  And when the grandkids would visit, there were always brownies and chocolate chip cookies in the freezer.  There was nothing like her meatballs and Swiss steak and during the holidays she always had lefse, thin bread and flatbread on hand.

Irene and Milt shared many hobbies including membership in the Roseau County Historical Society and Museum and Pelan Pioneer Park. Together they documented over 50 rural cemeteries in the area.

Irene is survived by one son, Wayne (Becky) Sather of Arden Hills, MN;

two grandsons - Matthew (Tanya) Sather of Shoreview, MN and Scott (Morgan) Sather of Madison, WI; two great-grandchildren - Caleigh & Corbin Sather; and two sisters - Mayonne (Curt) Hukee of Badger, MN and Joan (Ken) Wicklund of Faribault, MN.

She was preceded in death by her husband Milton on April 9, 2005; son Bryan on December 22, 2012; her parents, Ole & Agnes Johnson; and a sister, Orpha Woitas, in 2006.

Funeral Services were held at 11 AM on Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Greenbush with Pastor Mark Mathews and Pastor Amber Bergeron, officiating. Message from the family was delivered by Wayne Sather. Linda Sovde was the organist & special vocal music was provided by Jody Kirkeide. Casket bearers were Matt & Scott Sather, Curt Hukee, Ken Wicklund, and Rob & John Woitas. Burial was in Bethel Lutheran Cemetery of Greenbush. Funeral arrangements were with Gieseke Funeral Chapel of Greenbush.