Irene Emma Nielsen

Irene H. Nielsen Irene Hammerand Nielsen of Townsend, Montana died at the age of 97 on August 15, 2012 at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena, Montana.

Irene was born on March 22, 1915 in Dubuque, Iowa where she was raised and lived for most of her life.

Irene graduated as valedictorian of her high school class and was employed as secretary for the Dubuque School Administration. Irene and Viggo (Vic) Nielsen first met while at a roller skating rink and were married on March 22, 1944, while Vic was home on leave from the Navy. They had one daughter, Paula, who Vic saw for the first time when he returned home from the war a year later.

Irene and Vic enjoyed their many years with close siblings and friends in Iowa. They were able to travel and see most of the U.S. and the Scandinavian countries. Irene was very involved with the Dubuque YWCA, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, PEO Sisterhood and several book clubs. In their later years they moved to Montana and continually remarked about its unique beauty and mountains.

Irene had been a member of the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran church in Townsend and the Townsend Book Club. Irene was an avid reader all her life and faithfully began mornings with solving crossword puzzles.

When younger, writing and receiving letters was a key interest. She also enjoyed walking the hills in Dubuque on a regular basis. Irene was very devoted to her family and was always keenly interested in the interests and activities.

Proceeding her in death were in her parents Matilda and Alfred Hammerand, sister, Elva Milson and dear husband Vic.

Surviving Mom and loving her dearly are her daughter and son-in-law Paula and Bruce Rehwinkel of Townsend, Montana. Irene so cherished her granddaughters Emily (Brad) Gillespie of Kalispell, Montana and Julia (Bruce) Roberts of Trinidad, West Indies. Irene greatly enjoyed her great-grandchildren Meagan and Zachary Gillespie and Colt and Racquel Roberts. Also surviving is her sister An Burlingame of Rock Island, Illinois.