Irene Jane Berry, 84, Halstad, MN, formerly of Shelly, MN, died August 17, 2016, at the Halstad Living Center surrounded by loved ones.

She was born to John and Carrie (Lee) Tronnes on September 9, 1931, in rural Shelly, MN, and was raised on the family farm. Upon her mother's death when she was 13, she began cooking and managing household tasks for her father, five brothers and farm work-crews. She attended school until the 10th grade.

Irene met Kenneth Berry when he came to Shelly as part of a traveling baseball team. They were married on March 2, 1950. They moved to rural Shelly in 1953 from Kenosha, WI, where they made their home in a refurbished one-room school house, which is where they raised their 5 children. Their home was destroyed in a flood in 1997. They moved to Shelly where they resided until declining health required moves to Halstad. Upon Kenneth's death in 2013 they had been married for 61 years. Irene moved to the Halstad Heritage Center in 2014 and the Halstad Living Center in January of 2016 where she was under the care of Hospice of Red River Valley.

Irene was a life-time member of St. Petri Lutheran Church, Nielsville, MN. When she could no longer attend she faithfully watched Billy Graham Crusade re-runs on Saturday night and televised church services Sunday morning. In recent months she spoke often of how much she treasured her visits with Pastor Ahles.

Irene was dedicated to her family and friends. She excelled in gardening and canning and baking breads, rolls, and sweet treats. When her children came home from school the smell of bread or baked goods always greeted them. She was known for her housekeeping and cooking skills. Her home was always tidy; she diligently washed windows and dusted. Anyone who ate in Irene's kitchen raved about the meals she prepared. She faithfully fixed large Sunday dinners and invited extended family members and friends. Her family loved her beet jelly, dumplings and homemade soups.

Irene loved watching the birds in her numerous feeders as well as the Minnesota Twins, daily soap operas, the nightly news and The Lawrence Welk show. She enjoyed visiting with friends, corresponding with family members and faithfully sent a birthday card and gift to everyone in her large family. She loved receiving letters and pictures in the mail. She had a strong work ethic, a generous spirit and a servant's heart. Her greatest joy came from the gift of grandchildren. Those who weren't raised in the area received greetings and gifts in the mail; she even mustered up the courage to fly alone to Utah and Washington State for visits. She catered to the grandchildren when they visited by providing their favorite treats and meals. She watched with pride and gratitude as her family grew to include great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and 4 brothers, Irvet, Terry, Francis and Lyle.
She is survived by a son, Ronny (Renay) Berry of Walker, MN, and 4 daughters: Connie (Ted) Westlund of Strathcona, MN, Karen (Mike) Smart of Hendrum, MN, Deb (Bill) Zaks of Grand Forks, ND, and Kathryn (Stan) Koppang of Jamestown, ND; 14 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; a great-great- granddaughter and a brother, Gene (Rosemary) Tronnes of Bloomington, MN.

Visitation will be held Monday from 5-6:30 at the Halstad Living Center with a prayer service from 6:30 – 7:00.

Irene's funeral will be held Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at St. Petri Lutheran Church, Nielsville. The Rev. Valerian J. Ahles will officiate.

She will be laid to rest following the funeral at St. Petri Lutheran Cemetery. The family requests your presence at a luncheon afterwards at the Shelly Senior Center.