Irene Bucholz

Irene Mae (Kunze) Bucholz, age 93 of Perham, Minnesota, passed away peacefully and went to be with the Lord on December 9, 2018.

Irene was born September 6, 1925, to Joseph and Mary (Roemer) Kunze at their home south of Herbert, Saskatchewan, Canada, in Morse Municipality. Irene attended Meadow Prairie School and graduated from Herbert High School. Irene studied at Holy Cross School of Nursing in Calgary, Alberta, and graduated from Ponoka Provincial Hospital and Nursing School in Ponoka, Alberta.

During WW2 Irene worked as a welder building aircraft in Fort William, Ontario, before returning to her studies. In her later years Irene also attended Fergus Falls and North Hennepin Community Colleges in Minnesota.

While spending time with relatives in Perham, Irene met and fell in love with Stephen Bucholz, and they married October 20, 1949, in Swift Current, Saskatchewan.

For 35 years Irene and Steve owned and operated the North Side Grocery in Perham and together raised nine children. They retired to their home on Ottertail River.

Over the years some activities enjoyed by Irene included: dancing, sewing, ceramics, riding bicycle, gardening, canning, reading and studying the bible, working on genealogy and collecting antiques and trolls. When a member of St. Stanislaus Church, Irene was active and involved in numerous ministries. Irene always had a positive attitude and was a kind and loving person. She dedicated much of her time to prayer and to spending time with family. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Irene is survived by her children: Annamary (David) Dean of Minnetonka, Eric of Brooklyn Park,

Katherine Lachowitzer of Perham, Brian of Fargo, Lisa (Albert) Werner of Richville, Monica of Sauk Rapids, Fay (Steve) Bistrum of Shakopee, and Glen (Twyla) Bucholz of Detroit Lakes; 17 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Geri Kunzie of Winnipeg, 8 nieces and nephews and numerous great nieces and nephews all of Canada.

She is preceded in death by her parents: Mary and Joseph Kunze, husband Steve, son Raymond, sister Mary Kolbinson, brother-in-law Stuart Kolbinson, brother Joseph Kunze, brother Frank and sister-in-law Linda Kunze, brother Lawrence Kunze, son-in-law David Dean, and great-grandson Steen Mursu.

A private memorial service honoring Irene's life will be held on a later date. Interment will be at St. Stanislaus Cemetery.

Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com