Irene Mary Wilhelmi

Irene M. Wilhelmi, 76 of Devils Lake, ND died on Tuesday, June 13, 2006 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Mass of Christian Burial for Irene will be held on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake. Fr. C.F. Wilhelm will celebrate the Mass and burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home Chapel on Monday, June 19, 2006 from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Tuesday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass. Irene Mary Hoffart was born at rural Knox, ND on April 24, 1930, the daughter of Anton and Theresa (Klein) Hoffart. In 1940, she moved with her parents to Southam, ND where she continued her education. In 1948, Irene began working at the School for the Deaf and on June 1, 1949 was united in marriage to Francis “Fritz” Wilhelmi. They established their home on a farm in the Webster area until moving to Devils Lake in 1956 where they lived, worked and raised their family through the years. In addition to caring for her family, Irene worked outside the home for 28 years at the A&W Drive-In, various cafes and restaurants in Devils Lake and was last employed at the Lunch Box when she retired. For several years, Irene also worked as the barmaid at the Eagles Club. Fritz died on October 11, 1999. Irene was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and St. Catherine’s Circle, the VFW Auxiliary and the Eagles Auxiliary. Irene enjoyed her flowers, especially these last few years. She loved to play cards and Bingo. Making potatoes and dumplings, a kettle of good soup and fried bread for her family brought the greatest joy to Irene. Irene is survived by her Sons and Daughters-In-Law: Larry and Lois Wilhelmi Gary and Rose Wilhelmi Roger and Lori Wilhelmi Kevin and Gayle Wilhelmi all of Devils Lake Keith Wilhelmi and his friend, Michelle of Sioux City, Iowa Daughters and Son-In-Law: Pam Wilhelmi of Devils Lake Margie and Ron Possen Cindy Aaseth both of Washburn, ND Seventeen Grandchildren Five Great Grandchildren Brothers and Sisters-In-Law: Leo and Doris Hoffart Leonard and Mary Hoffart both of Devils Lake Richard and Nadine Hoffart of Grand Forks Jerome and Mary Hoffart of Devils Lake Dennis and Marion Hoffart of Grand Forks Sisters and Brothers-In-Law: Eleanor and Kenneth Sime, Bowman, ND Sally and Harold Olson, Devils Lake Delores Hoffart of Grafton, ND Many Nephews and Nieces also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Fritz; infant son, Michael and aunt, Sr. Pauline.