Irene E. Cole

Irene E. Cole, 94, of Clear Lake, and formerly of Stanley, Iowa, passed from this earthly life into eternal life on Wednesday, July 8, 2015.  A service to celebrate her life was held on Thursday, July 16, 2015, at the Stanley Union Church.  Interment was in the Stanley Cemetery at Stanley.  For condolences, please visit www.geilenfeldfh.com.

Irene Elizabeth (Clark) Cole was born on Nov. 2, 1920 in Oelwein, Iowa, daughter of George and Julia (Robinson) Clark.  Irene was born on Election Day that year, the first time in US history when women had the right to vote.  Throughout her life, she honored that right.  She loved her country and proudly displayed the American flag.  Irene grew up and attended school in Stanley, graduating from Stanley High School as part of the class of 1938.

Irene married William (Bill) R. Cole on Oct. 27, 1940 in Oelwein.  They lived in Stanley, most of their lives.  They were blessed with four children: William “Dick”, Michael “Mike”, Kathleen “Kathy” and Larry.

Irene was the first woman in her community to be elected to the Stanley City Council in 1977, where she served for 12 years.  During her lifetime, she was employed at several Oelwein businesses including: Oelwein City Laundry, Wilson Egg Company, Mercy Hospital and Floral Hills Memorial Gardens.  She was then a secretary for 20 years in the Waterloo, Oelwein and Stanley schools systems.

Due to health reasons, Irene moved to Clear Lake, in 1999 in order to be closer to her family.  There she also enjoyed spending time with her church family and playing cards with her new friends.

Throughout her 94 years, Irene took pleasure in the many simple things of life; listening to the birds sing, sitting on the front porch swing, smelling the fragrance that flowers bring, hearing the church bells ring, planting a garden in the spring, fixing a meal fit for a king, having a family to love and cling, and knowing God’s amazing strength and grace beneath His wings.

Those grateful for having shared in her life: William “Dick” and Betty Cole of Ames, Iowa, Mike and Carole Cole, of Shell Knob, Mo., Jay and Kathy Mixdorf, of Clear Lake, and Larry and Donna Cole, of Superior, Wis.; her 12 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson and their families; her brother, George Clark, of New Hartford, Iowa; her sisters, Joan Provow, of Des Moines, Iowa and Martha Sherwood, of Princeville, Ill.; her sister-in-law, JoAnn (Leo) Birchard, of Waterloo, Iowa; and her many nieces, nephews and friends.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bill; and her sisters, Louise Clark and Margaret Mason.

Irene will be dearly missed by all who knew her.  As Bob Hope would say, “Thanks for the memories.”