Irene Elenor Hermodson was born February 22, 1918, to Mayne and Selma Nornes Mauritson at Shelly, Minnesota. Following graduation from Climax High School, CLimax, Minnesota in 1934, she attended Moorhead Normal School and taught in country schools in Anthony Township, Norman County, and Scandia Township, Polk County, for five years. On September 15, 1940 at Shelly, Irene was united in marriage to Nels Hermodson of Beltrami, Minnesota. They farmed near Beltrami until his death in 1969. Irene moved to Fertile in 1970 with her family and worked in the office at Christian Farm Service and Feed until her retirement in 1983. She also taught piano lessons and volunteered extensively in her church and community. Irene was a longtime member of Concordia Lutheran Church, where she served in many capacities. She was also a longtime volunteer at Fair Meadow Nursing Home, Fertile.

Music was an extensive part of Irene's life. She was the accompanist to the Concordia Lutheran Church Chior for many years and was very supportive of school music programs. Irene was comfortable leading in groups, though she never enjoyed the "limelight." She was an advisor and friend to many; she loved to help others become the best they could be. Family members and friends will recall the many letters they received from Irene as she stayed in touch with them. Fertile honored her with its "Citizen of the Years Award" for her many contributions to our community. Irene could always be found in the kitchen making food to serve those who visited her.

Irene died on Thursday, March 6, 2003, at the Fair Meadow Nursing Home, Fertile, Minnesota.

Irene is survived by two sons, Mark and Susan, West Lafayette, Indiana; and Warren and Mavis, Eau Claire, Wisconsin; three daughters, Kathleen and Ken Huntley, Duluth, Minnesota; Lucille and Gary Thrasher, Moorhead, Minnesota; and Verna and Don Fricke, Red Wing, Minnesota; 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; a sister, Ruth Dyer, Moorhead, Minnesota; two brothers, Herbert and Chester and JoAnne Mauritson, Shelly; and many nieces and nephews. Her parents, husband, one infant sister Lorraine, and one brother James, preceded her in death.

Blessed by the memory of Irene Hermodson.