Irene Ethel Nelson

On Sep 11, 1930, Irene Ethel Newman was born to John and Bertha (Guttenfelder) Newman in Grant Township, Guthrie County, Iowa. She was baptized into the Christian faith on October 19, 1930 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, in rural Adair. Irene later confirmed her faith in Jesus on February 6th, 1944 at St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Irene grew up on the family farm northwest of Adair, IA with her parents and siblings Kathryn, Raymond, Pearl, Earl and Paul. She attended elementary school at Grant Township # 3 country school and graduated from Adair High School in 1948.

She worked as a secretary or administrative assistant with the U.S. Civil Service for the United States Air Force at various locations, including Strategic Air Command at Offutt Air Force Base.

Throughout her life, Irene loved music, including playing the piano and organ and singing (often in alto harmony). She served as church organist for many years in the congregations where she worshipped.

Irene was an accomplished artist, and especially enjoyed creating oil paintings of scenic areas such as Lake Powell, Grand Canyon and the Pacific Ocean. She earned numerous awards at art shows throughout the years.

Irene is survived by her sister Pearl Kahl, brothers Earl (Marilyn) Newman and Paul (Marvalee) Newman, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Kathryn Hanusa, and brother Raymond Newman.

Funeral services will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church in rural Adair, IA on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at 10:00 am. Burial will be at St. John’s Lutheran Church cemetery, with a luncheon afterwards.

A memorial service celebrating Irene’s life will be held in Las Vegas on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at 11:00 am at Faith Community Lutheran Church, 2700 S. Town Center Drive, Las Vegas, NV

Memorial funds may be given to Faith Community Lutheran Church, her home church for the past ten years.