Irene Stieg, 92, Dickinson, died on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at St. Benedictine Living Community surrounded by her family. Irene’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., January 13, 2024 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Dickinson with Fr. Robert Shea as celebrant. Inurnment will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. Visitation will be on Friday, January 12, 2024 from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with a rosary and vigil at 7 p.m. with Deacon Bob Zent presiding.
Irene Conlon was born on October 26, 1931, to Eugene “Gene” and Eugenia Conlon. She grew up on the family farm and attended a country school near what used to be Antelope, ND a small town that has since disappeared into the North Dakota prairie.
Irene’s career started in Richardton when she was trained to become a nurse’s aide by the Benedictine Nuns. She married Richard Stieg on November 20, 1954, in Glendive, MT, where Richard was working for Montana Dakota Utilities. Since his work had him continuously traveling, Irene remained in Richardton and worked at the clinic and the hospital. Richard transferred to Hebron, where they settled into married life and started their family before moving to Dickinson in 1967. Irene was a stay-at-home Mom while the children were young and provided childcare for others. When the boys were older, she resumed her nurse’s aide career at St. Luke’s Home where she worked for many years. Irene later worked in housekeeping at Dickinson State University until her retirement.
Irene and Richard loved to travel, camp, and dance to old-time music, especially at the Hostfest. After Richard passed away in 1999, Irene took an active role in volunteering at St. Wenceslaus Church, St. Joseph’s Hospital, and the Amen Food Pantry. Irene was very dedicated to maintaining an exercise program, whether doing her own yard work, shoveling snow, or running mail around St. Joseph’s Hospital. Several times a week she could be found at the West River Community Center doing water aerobics, where she made new friends and joined them for coffee afterward. When her health declined, she moved to Edgewood Hawks Point in 2019. There she continued her exercise routines and enjoyed the accordion music on Fridays. In August of 2023, she moved into St. Benedict’s where she resided until her death.
Irene’s love and dedication to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was immeasurable. She always saw the best in everyone without judgment. Her support, guidance, advice, and sense of humor will remain in our hearts forever.
Irene is survived by her three sons: Alan (Peggy), Dickinson, Patrick (Theresa), Savage MN, and Perry (Jean) Minot; nine grandchildren: Amber (Paul) Concha, Brad (Lindsey) Stieg, Nathan Stieg, Ryan (Shannon) Stieg, Kyle (Kristin) Stieg, Paul Stieg, Alec (Nadia) Stieg, Alex Keller, and Zach (Hannah Heisler) Keller; and eight great-grandchildren.
Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; parents, brothers: Frank, Raymond, Harold, and John Conlon; and sister Ann Tibor.
