Irene Tople, age 98, of Waubun, MN died Friday, October 25, 2013 in her home under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Irene Charlotte VanLerberghe, daughter of Cryil and Charlotte (Wetstine) VanLerberghe, was born on August 6, 1915 in Milroy, MN. She grew up in Arco, MN, area and attended school there. On August 12, 1933, Irene was united in marriage to Erwin Tople in Ivanhoe, MN. The couple made their home in Arco, MN until 1938 at which time they moved to Dent, MN and continued farming together. In 1948, they moved to Marshall, MN where Irene worked at Swift for over twenty years. She also provided cleaning services for the Marshall Theater and in several homes around the community. Irene cooked for the Girl Scouts Troop and worked many hours in childcare. In 1986, Irene and Erwin moved to McCraney Lake, near Waubun. Following Erwin's death in 1998, Irene continued to make her home there. After short stays in the nursing home, Irene passed away peacefully at home, in the arms of her family.

Irene loved to travel. She had the opportunity to visit Belgium, Germany, twice and loved to visit relatives when she was able. She cherished her time with her nieces and nephews. Irene had a great relationship with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Each of the grandchildren loved to play grandma's special game of "don't get mad." Irene also enjoyed Bingo, quilting, and going to Elbow Lake Village for lunch. She spent many hours gardening, canning, picking berries, and of course, making her homemade wine. Irene was always up for a good chat with neighbors, especially with her dear friend Jim Guy, who gave her so many garden goods and fresh flowers. Irene loved animals, life and people - in that order. Her wonderful sense of humor and quick wit will be missed by many.

Irene is survived by one son, Eugene (Angie) Tople of St. Could, MN; and one daughter, Eunice Hall of Waubun; one sister, Gladys Johnson of Elk River, MN; one sister-in-law Helen VanLerberghe of Marshall, MN; nine grandchildren, many great grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Erwin; one son, Dean, and daughter in law, Rita; a great grandson, Brice; and her siblings: Wardean White, Elvina Schroeder, Gordon VanLerberghe, and Kenneth VanLerberghe.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, November 2, 2013 at the Anderson Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mahnomen, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to funeral service. Lunch will follow service at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waubun, MN. Burial will take place at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Dent, MN.