Irene Dorothy (Waletzko) Marihart passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at the age of 91. She was under the loving care of the staff at Sandstone Health Care Center and the St. Croix Hospice team. Surrounded by family and prayer, Irene left this earthly home with grace and love.

Born on September 30, 1933, to Jacob and Frances (Pawlowski) Waletzko, Irene grew up on the family farm just east of Willow River, Minnesota. She attended country school and graduated from Willow River High School in 1951 as a proud Wildcat. Shortly after, she married the love of her life, Harold Marihart, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Willow River.

Irene and Harold began their married life in Minneapolis, where Irene earned her driver's license and worked at First National Bank, forming lifelong friendships. Eventually, they returned to Bruno to purchase a farm and continue the rural mail route passed down from Harold's parents, Bill and Clara.

God blessed Irene and Harold with two adopted children: Joseph Albert in 1967 and Kayla Marie in 1969. Irene was deeply devoted to her family and community. She was an active 4-H parent, PTO member, and volunteer in many church organizations. Her greatest joy came from becoming a grandmother—lovingly crafting, playing, and making memories with her grandchildren and later, great-grandchildren. One of her most cherished moments was welcoming her first great-grandchild, Lily, born on her own birthday in 2017.

After selling the farm, Irene and Harold built their retirement home in Sandstone to be closer to family and attend daily Mass. Even in town, Irene maintained beautiful gardens and a thriving strawberry patch. She enjoyed many hobbies throughout her life including painting, sewing, baking, mosaics, and walking on her treadmill. But above all, she loved playing a good game of Skip-Bo.

Irene is preceded in eternal rest by her parents; three infant brothers; her beloved husband of 61 years, Harold; her son Joe's life partner, Linda Zilmer; grandson, Colton Nelson; and brothers, Ernest and Frank Waletzko.

She is lovingly remembered by her son, Joe Marihart; grandson, Derek Marihart; granddaughter, Kaitlynn VanGuilder; bonus grandsons, Trent (Katy) Zilmer, Brad (Natalie) Zilmer, and Scott (Christy) Zilmer; and nine great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her daughter, Kayla (Curt) Nelson; granddaughter, Kalyn (Kevin) Humphrey; and grandson, Clayton Nelson.

Most loved by her siblings Gert (Bob)Lawrence, Ray (Esther) Waletzko, Agnes (John) Stevens, Dorie (Dale) Alberg, Carol (Ken) Burggraff, and dear sister in laws, Alice & Bonnie Waletzko.

Irene's legacy of faith, family, and unconditional love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held for Irene at 11am on Friday, July 18, 2025 at St. Luke's Catholic Church with Father Chris McKusky officiating. The rosary will be held at 9:45am with visitation to follow from 10am to 11am at the church. Burial will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Finlayson, MN, following the service.

Arrangements by Methven Funeral and Cremation Services of Sandstone, MN.