Irene Norwood, of Maynard, died Friday, November 6, 2015 at the Clara City Care Center at the age of 95.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 11, 2015 at 2:00 PM at Maynard Lutheran Church in Maynard. Rev. Paul Idstrom will officiate and interment will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held the day of the service from 12 to 2 PM at the church.
Irene Maybelle Hannah Mikelson was born August 27, 1920 in Hazel Run, MN to Arthur and Maybelle (Nelson) Mikelson. She was baptized and confirmed at Hazel Run Lutheran Church. She attended and graduated from Maynard High School in 1938. On August 13th, 1939 Irene was united in marriage to Lowell S. Erlandson at Maynard Lutheran parsonage. They made their home in Maynard and Minneapolis and eventually moved back to Maynard. Irene and Lowell had three children. Besides being a homemaker Irene worked as a waitress and at Impact Plastics in Maynard. Following Lowell’s death in 1972 Irene married Maurice Norwood on November 26, 1977 at Maynard Lutheran. With this marriage, Irene gained 3 step-children.
Irene was very active in her church. She played the organ and piano and served as the church organist for over 25 years at Maynard Lutheran. In addition, Irene served as Ladies Aid president and secretary and was a Sunday School and Bible School teacher. She enjoyed playing the organ and piano. Irene was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and of the Green Feather Card Club for over 40 years. Most of all Irene enjoyed her time with her family including grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Family remembers her wonderful baking, especially of sugar and date cookies and beet pickles and how Irene always strived to look her best. She moved to the Clara City Care Center in 2012.
Irene is survived by her children: John L.(Donna) Erlandson of Cambridge, MN, Lowell S. (Peggy) Erlandson Jr. of Ocala, FL, Glenn A. (Diane) Erlandson of Brainerd, MN; step-children: Margene (Menno) Frerichs of Maynard, MN, Robert Norwood of Fort Meyers, FL, Jac Lynn Norwood (Micki Westhrop) of Ecuador; 16 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 13 great-great-grandchildren; sisters: Elaine Williams of Holman WI, and Margorie (Phillip) Harein of Oak Park Heights, MN and a number of nieces and nephews.
Irene was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands Lowell in 1972 and Maurice in 2002, and her four brothers Glenn, Lyle (Doris), Dean (Ruby) and Robert (Julie).