Irene Marjorie (Romp) BARKEMA

ROMP, BARKEMA, THOMPSON, BARBER, PRUYN

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:54

June 15, 1918 --- January 10, 2008

Irene M. Barkema, 89, of Forest City died Thursday (January 10, 2008) at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City. Funeral services will be held 10:30 A.M., Monday at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel, 160 E. 4th St., in Garner with Rev. Bruce Barber, Irene’s son-in-law, officiating. Burial will be at Concord Township Cemetery in Garner. Visitation will be held from 3 to 5 P.M., Sunday at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel in Garner. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of North Iowa.

Irene Marjorie Barkema, the daughter of Rollie and Thea (Thompson) Romp, was born June 15, 1918 at Ames. She spent her early life in Jewell and then moved to Garner where she graduated from Garner High School in 1936. Irene married Harvey Barkema on December 8, 1945 at the United Methodist Church in Garner after Harvey returned from service in WW II. They were engaged for four years while Harvey served his country in the US Army in the Pacific Theater. Harvey and Irene made their first home in Klemme where Harvey was employed by the Klemme Creamery for seven years. In 1953, Harvey and Irene moved to a farm east of Klemme where they began farming. In 1957, they moved to a farm west of Forest City where they farmed until 1981. After they left the farm, Irene enjoyed traveling with Harvey delivering motor homes for Winnebago Industries. Irene was a mother to six children, Ronnie Roy born in 1946, who lived only one day, Lon Harvey born in 1948, Ned Hauko, born in 1954, Tom Ray, born in 1959, and Lisa Ann and Lori Ann, born in 1961. Irene loved her family and worked hard to care for them. She was a born teacher. She spent many hours playing school and reading with her children. Irene and Harvey believed in education and were proud of the accomplishments of their children and grandchildren. Irene found great pleasure in playing the piano and singing hymns. She had a beautiful singing voice and a charming laugh. Irene also enjoyed many different craft activities, especially crocheting. Irene attended Calvary Baptist Church in Forest City where she made many good friends.

Irene is survived by her husband Harvey, of Forest City; five children, Lon (Jacque) Barkema of Mason City, Ned (Deb) Barkema of Franklin, OH, Tom Barkema of Forest City, Lisa (Bruce) Barber of Bedford, TX and Lori Barkema of Cedar Rapids; eight grandchildren; six great grandchildren; a brother Bill (Lila) Romp; and a sister-in law, Barb Romp. She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant son, Ronnie Roy; a sister, Fern Pruyn; and three brothers, Marlin, Lee Roy and Tom Romp.

http://www.cataldofuneralhome.com/obituaries/Irene-M-Barkema?obId=313562#/obituaryInfo