Irene Marie Ahrndt

Irene Marie Ahrndt, the daughter of Nelvin and Magda (Ostby) Retrum, was born on November 19, 1934, in Montevideo, Minnesota. Irene was baptized on December 16, 1934, at West Bank Lutheran Church and confirmed June 19, 1949, by Rev. H. S. Nasheim at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Benson, Minnesota.

Irene’s childhood years were spent growing up on the Retrum family farm in West Bank Township of Swift County. Irene attended country school and was involved in the West Bank Lutheran Church community. She had natural artistic abilities and enjoyed singing with her sister Norma. The Retrum family moved to Benson in Irene’s upper elementary grade years when she began her education in the Benson Public Schools.

Irene graduated from Benson High School with the Class of 1952, participating in choir and band. She enjoyed being a drum majorette at BHS. Irene spent summers working as a lifeguard at the Benson Municipal Swimming Pool. After graduation, Irene worked at Agralite Cooperative.

Irene married Roger Ahrndt on June 19, 1953, at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Benson, Minnesota. Irene and Roger were blessed with seven children: Rhonda, Janel, Jody, Jon, Paul, Carol, and James. Together they raised their family on the Ahrndt family farm in Cashel Township of Swift County, Minnesota.

Irene worked tirelessly with gardening, canning, caring for children, and making sure everyone had great food to eat. She drove countless trips to Benson to ensure their children had the opportunity to be involved in school and community activities. Irene was a devoted wife and a loving mother and grandmother who liked to work and keep busy. Irene and Roger retired from the farm and moved to Benson in 1991. Irene’s love of reading led her to a part-time position at the Benson Public Library.

Irene and Roger were members of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church and Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church while raising their children and living in the Benson area. Irene was a woman of faith who gave this testimony to her family through her words, deeds, and prayers.

Irene Marie Ahrndt died on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at Bethesda Senior Living Care Center in Willmar, Minnesota, at the age of 90 years. She is survived by her children: Rhonda Schmeichel, Jody Hempeck, Jon (Ruth) Ahrndt, Paul (Kathy) Ahrndt, Carol (David) Wrightson, and James (Breanne) Ahrndt; 15 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband Roger Ahrndt, daughter Janel Ahrndt, parents Nelvin and Magda Retrum, son-in-law Larry Hempeck, sisters Norma Ellingson and Gladys Pederson, and brothers Ray Retrum and Irvin Retrum.

A private family service will be held at a later date.