Irene Lydia Gades

Irene L. Gades, 91, of Benson died on Friday afternoon, July 26, 2024, at Scandi Haven Village in Benson, Minnesota. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, on Friday, August 2, 2024, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Benson, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 am. The burial will be in the Benson City Cemetery. Zniewski Funeral Home of Benson is assisting the family with the funeral arrangements.

Irene Lydia (Volkmann) Gades was born on Tuesday, March 7, 1933, in Cottonwood, Minnesota, the daughter of Wilbert Fred John and Gracie Mae (Rairdin) Volkmann. She was baptized on the day she was born, and was confirmed on June 6, 1948. She grew up in Cottonwood, Minnesota, and attended country school through the eighth grade.

December 5, 1950, Irene was united in marriage to William Darold Gades at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Hancock, Minnesota. This union was blessed with 6 children and over 62 years of marriage. They farmed in Tara Township for forty plus years, retiring in 1993. Irene embraced her roles of farmwife and homemaker.

Irene was a member of the Homemaker’s Club and several bowling leagues. She was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Benson, Minnesota. She enjoyed embroidery and spending time with her family.

Irene was called from this life on Friday afternoon, July 26, 2024, at Scandi Haven Village in Benson, Minnesota. She attained the age of 91 years, 4 months, and 19 days.

Irene is survived by her six children: Kevin Gades of Alexandria, Curtis Gades of Alexandria, Kim Gades of Benson, Kendall Gades of Benson, Rhonda (Tim) Osterman of East Bethel, and Stacie Gades of Benson; 20 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; her brother Gordon Volkmann; her sister Janet Lydell; and several other relatives and friends.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband William on October 2, 2013, her parents Wilbert and Grace Volkmann, a granddaughter Kelly Nicole Gades, a daughter-in-law Bonnie Gades, and her siblings Alvin Volkmann, Donna Mertz, and Dennis Volkman. Blessed be her memory.