(Hazel) Irene Alleman, 96, entered the gates of Heaven Sunday, August 26, 2012 at her home in Ankeny. Visitation will be 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, August 31 at Ankeny Funeral Home, 1510 W. 1st St. Funeral Services will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 1, 2012 at Salem United Church of Christ, 320 NE 141st Ave. Alleman, IA, with burial at Lincoln Cemetery.
Hazel Irene Halverson was born March 4, 1916 to (Elmer) Roy and Nettie (Sydnes) Halverson in rural Slater, Iowa. She grew up and graduated from Kelley High School. On August 19, 1936 Irene was united in marriage to Clarence Juon Alleman. The couple made their home on the farm and was blessed with four daughters.
Irene made numerous quilts and baked many pies for her family and friends. She was also a faithful member of the Salem United Church of Christ, Pricilla Club, and J.W. Club. Irene was also a Chicago Cubs fan and took a trip to Chicago with her daughters for her 95th birthday to tour the city.
Irene had a host of friends and left an impression on everyone who met her. We, as a family, cherish a rich and wonderful host of memories.
When we think of our mother, we think of her
~Mental sharpness (She was sharp as a tack at “69” (96). She never saw the need for a calculator.)
~Leadership skills
~Concern for others
~As never having met a stranger
~As being faithful, evidenced by her tattered and torn Bible
~Wit
~Pride in self and her keen sense of style
~Love for relatives, friends, and neighbors
~Desire for a close family
~Passion for sewing (She wore out multiple sewing machines.)
~Lifelong love affair with our Dad
~Willingness to give anyone a helping hand
~Having opinions and willingly sharing them
~Innate ability to find the good in others
~Appreciation for all the good deeds others bestowed upon her
~Love of sports (except for football which she thought was just a big "pile up") and her loyalty to the Chicago Cubs
~Propensity for being on time
~Fondness for all her friends at Maplewood (She always said, “We take care of each other.”)
~Zero tolerance for lazy people
~Love of baking
~Pride in family members' achievements
~Ability to fix almost anything
~Negotiating skills (She talked her way out of more than one speeding ticket.)
~Obsession for keeping her Saturday morning hair appointments
~Beautiful handwriting
~Drive for productivity – with perfection
~Thirst for travel (Her last year's trip to Chicago with her four daughters was definitely a home run!)
~Zest for life
God gave Irene “69” (96) fabulous years! She truly has left a remarkable footprint!
The challenge before each of us is to use what Irene has given us wisely and well in order to make our world a better place! We, as a family, treasure the many blessings bestowed upon us from this very special human being who died in peace with God, her family, and the world.
Survivors include her daughters, Janet Alleman Trumbull of Lansing, MI, LaVonne (Roger) Fleming of Claremore, OK, Sharon (Jay Bienfang) Johnson of Grundy Center, IA, and Marilyn (Brian) Charron of Polk City, IA; eight grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Clarence, parents, two brothers, three sisters, and son-in-law, George Trumbull.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Salem United Church of Christ.
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