Irene Norma Crosier

Irene Norma, daughter of Thomas and Doris (Cady) Lumsden, was born January 1, 1932 at Burke, SD. She moved with her family to places in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Nebraska before settling in Coon Rapids, Iowa. She graduated from Coon Rapids High School in 1949. Following her schooling she worked in a restaurant in Coon Rapids. On November 22, 1949, Irene was united in marriage with Clair Crosier at St. Patrick's Church in Bayard. They were the parents of two children and lived on a farm east of Bayard before moving to the McEvoy (Claire's grandparents) farm south of Coon Rapids. Irene was a committed farm wife and helped with farming chores which included Claire's ponies. The family moved into Coon Rapids in 1959. Irene worked at the Coon Rapids Enterprise and during detasseling and harvest season, Irene helped with book work and sorting corn for Garst and Thomas and Pioneer Seed Corn Companies. She also worked as a secretary and bookkeeper in a plumbing business and car dealership. In 1992 they moved back to the family farm. At one time, Irene was active in the Annunciation Parish in Coon Rapids. She was also a Girl Scout Leader and a member of ASPC (a pony association). Irene always cared for a large garden and picked berries to be made into jam. She was quite a homemaker and enjoyed baking for her family, especially corn meal buns. Before her eyesight started to fail and arthritis set in, Irene enjoyed crocheting and knitting. Being outdoors and participating in hunting and fishing activities were important to her. After the death of her husband and son in 2007, Irene found it difficult to enjoy life. She died at home on Sunday, July 31, 2011, at the age of 79 years, 6 months and 30 days. Preceding her in death are her parents; husband Claire Crosier; son Darrell Crosier; grandson Matt Crosier and brother Wally Lumsden and wife Arlene. Irene is survived by her daughter Diane and husband Dennis Olesen of Audubon; four grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; daughter in law LuAnn Dutcher of Fort Dodge; other relatives and friends. Celebrant Reverend Dwayne Ferguson Reader Julie Maystadt Recorded Music "Amazing Grace" "I Can Only Imagine" - Mercy Me "Go Rest High On That Mountain" - Vince Gill Honorary Bearers ~ Grandchildren Angie & Chris Jensen Ellie & Ryan Davidson Ash Conner Mistie Knowles Interment Highland Township Cemetery, south of Bayard, Iowa