Irene A. Kohler, 75, Dickinson, died Saturday, May 26, 2012 at her home with her family by her side after a brief but very courageous battle with a very rare aggressive form of cancer. Irene’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Dickinson, with Fr. Keith Streifel as the celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service, with a rosary and vigil at 7 p.m., with Deacon Ralph Stockert presiding.
Irene, daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother, was born August 14, 1936 in Dickinson. Her very early years were spent on the family farm near New Hradec. She was the 12th of 14 children of Frank and Agnes (Hanel) Kubas. Irene moved to Dickinson where she attended St. Joseph’s School.
On August 28, 1956, Irene married William “Bill” Kohler, Jr. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Irene spent her entire life in Dickinson with the exception of two years in Wahpeton while Bill attended college. Her greatest happiness was family, home and gardening. She loved her yard and spent hours working outside, resting in the evening enjoying the peacefulness it brought. She was the innkeeper for many species of birds in her yard and loved watching the birds feed and bathe. Her yard became the focal point of summer family gatherings. Irene enjoyed baking which happened on Saturday mornings. She baked for fund raisers and made our favorite dessert for our birthdays. Bill and Irene enjoyed camping with family and friends at Lake Sacajawea when the children were young. She also enjoyed the Kohler family reunions at the lake. Irene was a member of the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Choir. She volunteered with St. Joseph’s church and the CCD classes, and was a Meals-on-Wheels volunteer in years past. But above all, Irene’s focus was with her devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, praying the rosary relentlessly for her family on a daily basis. Who knows where we would be today without those prayers.
Irene leaves behind her husband and best friend Bill of 56 years; and her six children, Dennis (Kathy) Kohler, Gary (Cheryl) Kohler, Dickinson, Doug (Bobbie) Kohler, Brad Kohler, Williston, Debbie Kohler, and Sandy (Raymond) Sand, Jr., Dickinson; six grandchildren, Dustin Kohler and special friend Cassie Stegmiller, Houston, Texas, Mike Kohler, Dickinson, Shanda (Ryan) Harstad, Matt, Jamie and Jacie Kohler, Williston. She will also be missed by her siblings, Martha (Chuck) Rounsville, Mary (Linus) Wanner, Dickinson, Angie (Craig) Swenson, Newport, Wash., John (Maggie) Kubas, Yakima, Wash., Emil (Kathy) Kubas, Spokane, Wash.; sister-in-law Christine Kubas, Spokane, Wash.; and numerous nieces and nephews. Irene was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Charlie, Laudie and Tom Kubas; and sisters, Victoria (Richard) Zeller, Agnes (Ras) Schwindt, Hattie (Frank) Tuhy, Dorothy (Frank) Meduna and Mildred (John) Heiser.
Irene’s tradition of praying the rosary will be carried on by her family. Her caring and compassion for all of us will be greatly missed.
