Irene Helen Pratt

February 7, 1917 - December 6, 2012

Irene was born on a farm in Richmond, Minnesota – one of 11 children. She went to a one-room school house and spoke only German until the third grade. In 1942, she took the train West to California, which would become her home.

During World War II, she worked several different government jobs, including wiring cockpits for McDonald Douglas airplanes (an original Rosie the Riveter). Then, later she worked at the famed Pike Amusement Park in downtown Long Beach.

In 1948, she met and married her husband, Collin Pratt. He proposed after the second date. She said, “I need to think about it. I didn’t want him to think I was eager. But, I really did love him.” Then, on the occasion of their fourth date, he asked again. This time, she hesitated and with a tease, said that she would agree on one condition. He would have to learn to say, “Ich liebe dich meine liebe fraulien.” (I love you, my lovely lady.) They were married for 43 years and raised three children (Linda, George & John).

Irene was a professional seamstress and her beautiful quilts still grace homes near and far today. In 1974, Irene learned to drive a car, and after that, she stopped at any and all garage sales. In 1984, she began losing her eye sight and eventually, she turned in her needle and thread for books on tape. For more than 20 years, she enjoyed books from the Braille institute.

Irene made a home filled with love and family – food and warmth (and lots of card playing). Her joyful disposition was an inspiration to her family and friends.

She lived in Long Beach, CA for more than 50 years and was a parishioner of Saint Barnabas Catholic Church, where lots of life-long friends were established. For the last couple years of her life, she lived in Brentwood, CA, near her daughter and family.

Irene is survived by her children Linda (Bill) Spring, George (Jeanne), and John.

Grandchildren include Michele, Justin, Sarah, Jessica, Daniel and Carly.

Great Grandchildren include Layne, Juliette, Madison, Hannah and Rylie

Survived by her sister Clara Stueve of St. Joseph, Mn., and her brother Corby Schefers of Van Nuys, Calif.

Preceded in death by her husband Collin, brothers and sisters Ermin Schefers, Norbert Schefers, Alois Schefers, Alma Buerman, Viola Wiesner, Herbert Schefers, Oswald (Chub) Schefers and Anselm (Andy) Schefers.