Abel, Irene J. (Forde) -- 1907 - 1999

FORDE, THORSON, NELSON, OSMUNDSON, ABEL, NALEY, KOSBAU

Posted By: Connie Ellis (email)
Date: 7/29/2011 at 13:10:25

SOURCE: Waukon, Iowa WAUKON STANDARD, April 7, 1999
Contributor: Connie Ellis (Not related)

Memorial services for Irene Abel, age 92, of LaCrosse, Wisconsin, were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 7 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in LaCrosse with the Rev. Roger Hjelle officiating. Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of LaCrosse was in charge of arrangements. Her body was donated to the University of Wisconsin - Madison Medical School.

Irene J., daughter of Erick and Christina (Thorson) Forde, was born in rural Decorah, Iowa on February 7, 1907. Irene was later adopted by Olaus and Anna (Osmundson) Nelson. On June 17, 1935 she married Lynas Abel at Big Canoe Lutheran Church, rural Decorah, Iowa. They made their home in Monona, Iowa for 32 years before moving to LaCrosse, Wisconsin. They joined the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on May 25, 1969. In 1980, Irene helped organize the "mailing crew" and was the calling person for 10 years for Good Shepherd.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband who died July 21, 1977 and two sisters, Anna Naley and Eva Kosbau.

She is survived by one son, Robert (Elizabeth) Abel of Austin, Texas; 2 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren; a brother, Edgar Nelson of Waukon, Iowa and nieces and nephews.