Irene E. Schmitz, 93 of Kearney, died Thursday, March 20, 2014 at the Homestead Assisted Living in Kearney. Services will be Monday, March 24, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pleasanton with Fr. Marty Egging officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery at Prairie Center. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney is in charge of arrangements.

Irene was born January 6, 1921 on the family farm in Sherman County to John and Maggie (Kowalski) Mazankowski. She went to Johnson School near Litchfield until the 8th grade, and then attended Pleasanton High School. Irene married Ralph Schmitz at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Hazard on February 16, 1944. Irene was no stranger to hard work on the farm, where she milked cows, raised chickens, hogs, and cattle while still finding time to cook and bake amazing food for family and friends. She always raised a garden of veggies and many flowers which she said made her feel closer to God. Irene was an avid card player and enjoyed a lively game whenever possible. Crocheting, crafts, and refinishing furniture also occupied her days. Faith was a very important part of her life, she enjoyed being an active member of the Altar Society at St. Mary's Catholic Church at Prairie Center. She also belonged to the community card club, and enjoyed senior citizens activities.

Irene is survived by her son Kenneth Schmitz and his wife Janet of Riverdale, NE, daughters; Elaine Hull and her husband John of Lincoln, NE, Karen Lindsay of Lincoln, NE, Judy Kirschner and her husband David of Pleasanton, NE, Madeline Schmitz of Kearney, NE, brother Delphie Mazankowski and his wife Phyllis of Colfax, CA, sisters; Florence Stephens of Boring, OR, Rita Moore and her husband Bill of Albany, OR, Dorothy Fox and her husband Jerome of Council Bluffs, IA, Marietta Perlinger of Grant, NE 16 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband, two infant brothers, one brother, and four sisters.