Phares, Irene M. (1917-2011)

PHARES, MCHARGUE, JONES, GERLACH, LOCK

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 7/30/2011 at 16:14:00

Irene M. Phares
November 16, 1917 - July 14, 2011

Irene M. Phares, age 93, of Storm Lake, Iowa, passed away July 14, 2011, at the Buena Vista Manor in Storm Lake.

Irene M. McHargue was born November 16, 1917, the fifth child of Sol and Lucy Bell (Jones) McHargue, in Central City, Nebraska, where she was raised, attended school, and graduated from high school. She later earned a Registered Nursing degree from Clarkson Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska.

On February 1, 1940, Irene married Charles H. Phares. To this union four children were born: Gwynn, Doug, Bob, and Kurt. After Charles joined Walter R. Raecke’s law practice, they moved from Omaha to Central City, making it their home. There, they raised their children in close proximity to both sets of their parents as well as Irene’s siblings and their families. In addition, they participated actively in the Presbyterian Church and the community.

Upon retirement, they moved to Estes Park, Colorado, where they enjoyed the mountain environment and all the activities a vailable there. Losing Charles, her husband of 50 years, in February of 1990, Irene remained in Estes Park until she moved to Storm Lake, Iowa, in August of 2000 to be near her daughter, Gwynn. She resided at Lake Pointe Villa, an independent living facility, Otsego Place, an assisted living home, and Buena Vista Manor. Eventually, dementia stole her memory while her physical body remained strong.

A wonderful caretaker, a devoted wife, and an exemplary mother, Irene was always reaching out to help her husband, Charles, her extend family, and her many friends. Happy, outgoing, and optimistic, she showered love on those close to her touching their lives in the warmest of ways while making light of unimportant matters. She found her greatest joy in having her entire family, children and grandchildren, together.

An accomplished seamstress, cook, and bridge player, Irene loved entertaining, traveling, or pitching in to help on any project. She belonged to Eastern Star and PEO. An active participant in the Central City Presbyterian Church, she later joined the Methodist Church in Storm Lake.

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Gwynn (Duane) Gerlach, of Storm Lake, Iowa; her sons: Douglas (Barbara) Phares, of Scottsdale, Arizona, Robert (Laurie) Phares, of Fremont, Nebraska, and Kurt (Janis) Phares, of Irvine, California; nine grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Sol and Lucy McHargue; her husband, Charles; her sister, Elsie (Les) Lock; and her brothers: Oscar, Donald, and Walter McHargue.

A private family graveside service will be held Thursday, July 21, 2011, at the Central City Cemetery in Central City, Nebraska. A Celebration of Life and fellowship will be held at the Presbyterian Church in Central City on Thursday, July 21, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Doug McHargue officiating. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Irene’s name at the United Methodist Church in Storm Lake. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake along with the Wagner Funeral Home in Central City are in charge of the arrangements.

© Copyright 2011 Storm Lake Pilot Tribune

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