Irene passed away Thursday morning, July 4, 2024, at her daughter’s home in Fairmont. Lakeview Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Fairmont is assisting the family with arrangements.

Irene Minnie (Sternke) Ponstein was born April 4, 1927, in Minneota, Minn., the daughter of Arthur and Ella (Vandewalker) Sternke. Irene attended Minneota public schools and graduated from Minneota High School.

On Aug. 21, 1948, Irene was united in marriage to Donald Ponstein at Hemnes Lutheran Church in Minneota, Minn. The couple resided in Butterfield, Minn., Ely, Minn., Windom, Minn. and were blessed with three children: Sandra, Donna and Michael. Irene and Donald shared nearly 36 years together before Donald passed away unexpectedly on June 19, 1984. Irene moved to Fairmont in 1991, and was an active member of Bethel Evangelical Free Church in Fairmont. During her free time she enjoyed gardening and baking. Irene most loved the time she was able to spend with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Left to cherish her memory include her children, Sandra (Gerry) Palo, Donna (Steve) Parnell and Michael (Kay) Ponstein; grandchildren, Stacy (Matt) Gold, Melissa Palo, Alexis (Ryan) Katzer, Rebekah (Jon) Boer, Kellie (Nate) Reyelts, Stephanie (Jared) Schafer, Megan (Jason) Christenson, Wendy (Kevin) Graven, Rick (Monica) Ponstein and Mark (Kylee) Ponstein; great-grandchildren, Mati (Caden) Johnson, Sarah (Kyle) Kabanuk, Rachel (Collin) Eckman, Sam, Megan, Karl and Logan Gold, Rowan and Hayden Katzer, Benjamin, Amanda and Sam Boer, Annie, Evan, Collin, Julie, Mollie, Lauren and Bethanie Reyelts, Owen, Levi and Jack Shafer, Emma, Eli, Josie and Clara Christenson, Mason and Bennett Graven, Mackenzie and Nolan Ponstein, Julia and William Ponstein; great-great-granddaughter, Mabel Johnson; brother, Arden (Martha) Sternke; sister-in-law, Marilyn (Ron) Meyer; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Along with her parents, Arthur and Ella Sternke, Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Ponstein; brothers, Alvin (Elaine), Donald (Ardis), Marvin and Harvey (Marie) Sternke; grandson, Timothy Parnell; and great-great-grandson, Malakai Johnson. www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net

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