Irene Vander Kuur

Funeral services for Irene Vander Kuur were held on Monday, March 20, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home in Gregory, SD, with Pastor Marcus Ring officiating.

Myrna Lindwurm was in charge of registration. Casket bearers were Ron Kahler, Kenny Lindwurm, Larry Harkin, and Dan Harkin. Burial was in the IOOF Cemetery in Gregory, SD. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Irene Kay Vander Kuur was born in Burke, SD, on December 5, 1944, to Louis and Helen (Link) Vander Kuur. Irene was baptized on December 31, 1944, at the Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Carlock, SD, and Louise and Jerome Harkin were her sponsors. Irene was confirmed in the Lutheran Church in Carlock, SD, on June 28, 1959, by Pastor Laude. Irene later became a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Gregory, SD.

As a child growing up on the farm, Irene enjoyed the outdoors. She spent time with her pets including her dog Shep and her cats. Irene’s love of cats was part of her entire life; she even had a toy stuffed cat that she adored in the nursing home.

Irene attended Pleasant Site School for her elementary education and graduated from Gregory High School in 1962.

Irene enjoyed doing crafts, and jigsaw puzzles, playing solitaire, watching television, and working at the Gregory Hospital Thrift Store.

Irene moved from the Burke and Gregory area in 1991 to Madison, SD. In July of 2020, she moved to the Salem Nursing Home, residing there until it was destroyed in 2022, at which time she moved to the Alcester Care and Rehab Center.

Irene passed away in Alcester Care and Rehab Center on March 11, 2023, at the age of 78.

Irene is preceded in death by her parents. She was survived by her sister Darlene (Kenneth) Neuharth; nieces and nephews: Kevin (Cathy) Neuharth, Ranae (Dave) Hunter, Brian (Jodi) Neuharth, Anita (Chris) Clemmensen, and Carol (Paul) Erickson; their children; and many cousins.