Watch Irene's Funeral Here

Delores "Irene" Longtin passed away February, 5, 2025, at the age of 90. Her family surrounded her as angels took her to heaven.

Irene was born on February 18, 1934, in Neche, ND. She was one of eight children, born to Frances and Bernadette Snider. Irene was a hard worker and started working at the age of 12 with babysitting and housekeeping, and by the age of 14 she was waitressing and picking potatoes.

In high school, Irene was a star basketball player. She loved the game and was very proud to be a Neche Indian. Irene graduated in 1951 from Neche High School.

She met her future husband, Wayne Longtin at the roller-skating rink in Walhalla, ND, which was managed by Irene's father and brother-in-law. When Wayne and Irene began dating, Irene's sisters thought Wayne was a "pain in the butt", as he never wanted to leave her side.

Wayne and Irene were united in marriage on December 15, 1955, in Neche. They made their first home on a farm site near Walhalla.  While living on the farm, they welcomed their first two children, Peggy and Shelly. In 1962, the family moved to Circle, MT, where Wayne would manage the Farmer's Elevator. While living in Circle they welcomed their son, Kelly and daughter, Patty.

Irene was a stay-at-home Mom. She did all she could to make home a happy place for her family. Irene always had a big garden. Her family enjoyed the fruits of her labor with canned goods year-round. Irene's kitchen always had a full cookie jar and a well-stocked candy drawer. However, donuts were Irene's specialty. Irene made thousands of donuts for elevator functions and family get togethers.

Wayne and Irene spent many years racing snowmobiles. Irene was not afraid to get on a snowmobile and hit the throttle. She won many races over the years. Irene also enjoyed bowling and was always on a bowling team. She also found a passion for bingo later in life.

In 1971, the family moved to Mahnomen, MN, where Wayne would manage the Farmer's Elevator. Over the years, they were active in the Mahnomen Snowmobile Club and Wild Rice Day celebrations. Irene was active in the St. Michael's Catholic Church and loved to sing.

In 2016, Wayne and Irene moved to Lilac Memory Care Home in Moorhead, MN. Irene resided at Lilac until the time of her death.

Irene is survived by her children: Peggy (Terry) Steinmetz, Shelly (Loren) Zimmel, Kelly (Diana) Longtin, and Patty (Jeff) McCracken; grandchildren and great grandchildren: Scott (Jim Urlacher) Steinmetz, Matt (Heidi) Steinmetz and their children: Tanner, Ashton, and Ella; Gina (Pat) Noll and their children: Kaden, Marcus, and Natalie; Chris (Julie) Zimmel and their children: Carter, Aubree, and Nolan; Josh Longtin, Nate (Britney) Longtin, Maddie Longtin, Nick (Emily) Salentine and their children Jaxon and soon arriving baby Salentine; Jake (Haylee) Salentine and their daughter Lia; Mia Nystrom and Max Nystrom.  Irene is also survived by her sisters: Edna Mae Furstenau, Bev (Allen) Austfjord, and Virginia Lardy, and sister-in-law, Jean Snider; along with many nieces and nephews.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne, of 61 years. She had many siblings and in-laws who preceded her in death and welcomed her to heaven.

The family would like to thank Hospice of the Red River Valley, and a special thank you to Lilac Memory Care Home for all of the years of love and care. Hearing you call her "Renie" or "Mama" truly warmed our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to St. Michael's School in Irene's memory.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Mahnomen, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery, Mahnomen, MN.