Irene Mcgee

Irene Alice McGee, died peacefully in her home on Thursday, December 28, 2017, at the age of 97. Irene Alice Cummings was born September 23, 1920, in Elma, Iowa to Francis Emmett and Mary Evelyn (Harris) Cummings. She grew up on the family farm and attended country school with her four sisters and six brothers. She met the love of her life, Bernard J. McGee, at a dance in Cresco, Iowa. Rene corresponded with Bernard during the years he was enlisted in the U.S. Navy during WWII, while she was working at a munitions factory in California and later at a company in Waterloo, Iowa. Bernard and Rene were married on May 6, 1947 in Cresco, Iowa and moved to Austin, Minnesota where Bernard pursued a career in carpentry and Rene worked at the Canton Café. In June of 1948 they welcomed their first born, James M. McGee and a short year later their daughter, Susan in May of 1949 and soon to follow, Ann, in December of 1951 and Mary, in December of 1952. Rene was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church. Along with the Canton Café, she also worked at the Austin Bowl. Rene was a member of the “Sewing Club” along with several friends and neighbors. Survivors include her four children, James (Sherri) McGee, Susan Bothun, and Ann McGee, all of Austin, MN, Mary Huemann of Albert Lea, MN; grandchildren, Carmen (Jeff) Weber of Menasha, WI, Skot (Heidi) McGee of Austin, MN, Michael J. (Theresa) Merten and Kelly (Brian) Walton of Texas, Brad (Candice) Bothun of Annapolis, MD, Lindsey (Kevin) Haney and Kelly and Ryan Lamont of Austin, MN; 12 great grandchildren; sister, Margaret Burkett of Cresco, IA; sisters-in-law, Diane Cummings of Iowa and Doris Cummings of McIntire, IA. She is preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Bernard J. McGee on November 25, 2017; brothers, Donald (Bernetta), George, William (Agnes), Thomas, Richard (Marlene), and James Cummings; sisters, Marie (Dan) O’Neil, Geneva (Art) Peckham, Edna (Milton) Miller; brother-in-law, Marvin Burkett; McGee brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Leo (Olive), Paul (Angie), Emmett (Doris), and Dan McGee, Vera (Bennie) Ulwelling, Esther (Ben) Roberts, Rozella (Ruben) Skogeboe, and Lucille (Clarence) Peterson; sons-in-law, Peter Merten, Vaughn Bothun, and Stan Coughlin. A memorial service will be held 10:30 am on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at Mayer Funeral Home with Father James Steffes officiating. Friends may call one hour before the service at Mayer Funeral Home on Saturday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery where Bernard and Irene will be laid to rest together forever on the eve of their 71st anniversary. A special thank you to Ann McGee, Sheri McGee and Crystal Hinrichs, for their care which allowed Bernie and Irene to remain in their home together. Condolences may be left online at www.mayerfh.com

Service Information

Visitation

Saturday, May 5 2018
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Mayer Funeral Home
600 2nd Street NW P.O. Box 27
Austin MN 55912

Service

Saturday, May 5 2018
10:30 AM

Mayer Funeral Home
600 2nd Street NW
Austin MN 55912