Irene Giesbrecht

Irene Giesbrecht, 86 of Madrid, Nebraska, passed away Friday, Sept. 21, 2018, at the Perkins County Hospital in Grant, Neb.

Irene Becker Giesbrecht was born June 2, 1932, in Baca County, Colorado to Paul and Minnie (Smith) Becker, the oldest of seven children. She attended school in rural Harvey County, Kansas. She gave her heart to the Lord and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite.

On Feb. 10, 1967, Irene married William “Bill” Giesbrecht.  They made their home at Tribune, Kan., where they farmed. Their union was blessed with three children, Sheila, Sheldon and Clayton. 

In 1975, the couple relocated to Grant where they continued farming. 

Bill passed away unexpectedly in January of 1980. Irene went to work painting and wallpapering  to support the family while continuing to manage the farm.

Irene lived her Christian life by example, showing a foundation of trust through the trials that came her way. 

She was spontaneous and had an unquenchable zest for the adventure of living. Family and friends were keenly important to her and she enjoyed sharing her many interests with them.  Among these were traveling, piecing quilts and going out for supper. 

Irene was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, a sister, Norma Klassen and two brothers-in-law.

Survivors include her three children, Sheila (Patrick) Binkley of Campbellsburg, Indiana, Sheldon (Tammy) Giesbrecht of Elsie, Neb., and Clayton (Karen) Giesbrecht of Madrid; 12 grandchildren; her siblings, Allen (LaJean) Becker of Halstead, Kan., Rosalee Barkman of Steinbach, Manitoba, Melvin (Ivalee) Becker, Stella Becker and Dean (Pauline) Becker, all of Halstead; brother-in-law, Jack Klassen of Steinbach; along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

A memorial has been established in Irene’s memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com.

Services were held Monday, Sept. 24, 2018 at the Golden Plains Mennonite Church west of Madrid. Burial was in the Madrid Cemetery.

Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant was in charge of arrangements.