Kirschbaum, Irene Ann (Hruska) 1942 - 2024

KIRSCHBAUM, HRUSKA, ZAJICEK, SLUMP, BROWN, MILLER, BURKE, SPOONER, GEORGE, MARSHALL, VOYEK, ADREON, FIELD, PALACINO

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 6/29/2024 at 11:02:46

Irene Ann Hruska Kirschbaum was born on July 17, 1942, and passed away on May 25, 2024, at Kavanagh Hospice House in Des Moines, IA.
Irene was born to August and Emma (Zajicek) Hruska in Cresco, IA. She often talked about farm life and making sure she got her chores done before dark. She attended a country school near her family’s farm and graduated from Cresco High School in 1960. Irene was a member of the glee club at Cresco High. After high school she attended beauty school in Waterloo, IA and graduated in 1962.
According to our father, Gerald Kirschbaum, our parents met by chance on a Friday night in Mason City, IA. Each was with a group of friends. He said my mom fell in love with him at first sight. She shook her head every time the tale was told. Jerry and Irene were united in marriage at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Protivin, IA on September 7, 1963.
The newlyweds moved to Greeley, CO where Jerry completed his MBA and they welcomed their first child, Jeffrey in 1964. Their daughter, Deborah was born in 1967 in Mason City, IA and their daughter, Kimberly was born in Brownsdale, MN in 1969. They settled their family in Ankeny, IA in 1976 and Ankeny remains their home today. In 1980 Jerry and Irene opened “The Strawberry Patch” in Ames and Des Moines, IA, which were originally kitchen and home décor stores. The first years they made many buying trips overseas to import wicker baskets and furniture. Eventually their business evolved into a screen printing/embroidery shop that continues to sell high school and collegiate fan gear today. Irene and Jerry were committed business partners who worked together for many years growing their business. Their biggest accomplishment was celebrating 60 years of marriage last September.
Irene was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend. Her family was her treasure. Jerry and Irene hosted the annual Hruska reunion for over 30 years at their home in Ankeny. Jerry and Irene attend Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Church in Ankeny.
Irene is survived by her husband, Jerry, her son Jeff (Cindy) Kirschbaum, daughter Debbie (Rod) Slump, daughter Kim Brown; former son-in-law Hugh Brown; siblings Bea Miller and Marcella Burke; sister-in-law Margaret Hruska; grandchildren Christina Brown, Hugh Brown, Alayna Spooner, GraceAnn Kirschbaum, Samantha Kirschbaum, Olivia Kirschbaum, Josie (Daniel) George, Maddie (Peter) Marshall, Emma Slump. Katie Brown, and Kendall Brown; great grandchildren Kimmy King, Brayden Spoo-er, Sawyer Marshall, Saylor Marshall, and Drew George; and many treasured nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; in-laws Ollie and Alma Kirschbaum; her sister Jane Voyek; brother Jim Hruska; brothers-in-law Larry Voyek, Matt Miller, Charles Burke, Leon Adreon; sisters-in-law Loretta Field, Maxine Adreon, and Maryanne Palacino; nephews Mark Adreon and Thomas Voyek.
The family wants to thank EveryStep Hospice and The Kavanagh House for the incredible love, care, and compassion they provided to the entire family during Irene’s illness.
Services for Irene will be held on Saturday, July 6 at 9:30 am at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Ankeny, IA. Gravesite services and a Celebration of Life will follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to The Alzheimer’s Association.

Source: Cresco Times June 25, 2024