Irene Kolars

Irene Kolars February 24, 1905 - March 29, 2009

Irene M. Kolars, age 104, of Faribault, MN, died Sunday, March 29, 2009 at the St. Catherine''s Living Center in Wahpeton, ND, after a very fruitful and loving life that was imbued in all she met and touched. Irene M. Cooney, the daughter of William and Hannah (Murphy) Cooney, was born on February 24, 1905 in Marshall, MN. A 1928 graduate of St. Mary''s Hospital School of Nursing in Minneapolis, she was preceded in death by J.J. Kolars, M.D. in Faribault, MN after 42 years of marriage that resulted in the birth of three daughters, Kathleen Goebel of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Teresa (Randolph) Ferlic of Omaha, Neb., Sharon (Richard) Savageau and one son, James (Addie) Kolars, both of Fargo, ND. She had 18 grandchildren, and subsequently 44 great grandchildren. They had all gathered in the summer of 2008 in Fargo for a celebration of this remarkable woman''s life. Her nursing skills enabled her to transmit empathy, sympathy, knowledge, charity and love to all her offspring. An indefatigable mother with a life filed with laughter, joy, and pride of her family''s accomplishments. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; eight brothers and sisters; and son-in-law, Kenneth Goebel. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church at Immaculate Conception in Faribault. Interment will be at the Calvary Cemetery in Faribault. Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home in Faribault on Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday for one hour prior to the services at the church. Memorials may be directed to Bethlehem Academy High School or the choice of the donor in memory of Irene.