Watch Irene's Funeral Here

Irene Klemetson, age 88, of Ulen, MN, passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at the Essentia Health Hospital in Detroit Lakes, MN.

Irene Eleanor Klemetson was born on July 6, 1935, to Frank and Aloise (Dvorak) Hamernik on the family farm in Walworth Township. She attended small country schools before attending Ulen High School, graduating with the class of 1953. Following her graduation, she married Marlin Klemetson on December 27, 1954, at the Walworth Baptist Church. After a brief period in Mineral Wells, TX where Marlin was stationed in the Army, they returned to Ulen starting their family. In 1966, Marlin and Irene moved to his home farm near Ulen and began farming full time. Irene dedicated herself to managing the household and raising their children, but she was also perfectly capable of driving a tractor and milking cows.  In the mid-90s, Irene began working at the Flom Café, a job which she enjoyed for over 10 years. At Marlin's passing in 2006, they had been married almost 52 years.  In 2008, Irene purchased a home in Ulen.  It was here she affectionately became known as "Grandma Jellybean" to her great grandchildren. On her 79th birthday, Irene met Harlen Poehls at a dance and they have been best friends ever since.

Above all else, Irene loved her family. For nearly seven decades, she passionately supported Ulen-Hitterdal sports and activities, attending countless events for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was also a faithful fan of the Minnesota Twins. Beyond the sidelines, Irene showcased her culinary talents, delighting loved ones with everyone's favorite meatballs and cherished treats like kolaches and caramel rolls. Every fall she hosted an ethnic dinner where she served blue plum dumplings.  Proud of her heritage, she embarked on a memorable journey to the Czech Republic in 2009, meeting many cousins for the first time.  In her free time, Irene enjoyed going dancing, especially to polka music, and trips to test her luck at the casino. In her younger years, she was an active member of the Bethlehem Elizabeth Circle, Bethlehem quilting group, and the Walworth Homemakers.

Irene is survived by her children: Deb (Ron) Knudtson, Michael (Jennifer) Klemetson, Ron (Susan Braseth) Klemetson, Sheryl (Dewey) Vetsch, and Matthew (Raina Askin) Klemetson; 17 grandchildren: Jan, Jeff, Kayla, Jacob, Katie, Jared, Ashley, Trent, Travis, Derek, Savannah, Olivia, Alayna, Noah, Adison, Isabel, and Caleb; 22 great-grandchildren; companion, Harlen Poehls; siblings, Ed (Arlene) Hamernik and Helen Slette; sisters-in-law: Marlys Hamernik, Ardith Fuglie, and Orpha (Gene) Schultz; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Marlin; daughter-in-law, Staci Herzog Klemetson; brothers: Frank, Stanley, and Jerry Hamernik; and sisters: Anna Erickson, Georgie Fuchs, and Betty Baukol.

A visitation will be held on Friday, February 2, 2024, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, with a prayer service starting at 6:30pm, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ulen.   Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 10:00am at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ulen. Interment will be held in the North Bethlehem Cemetery, Ulen.