Irene Jackle
September 1, 1938 ~ September 30, 2021
It is with great sadness that the family of Irene Grace Jackle of Fox Valley, SK., announce her peaceful passing. Her life began on a farmstead near Leader on September 1, 1938 and she was welcomed into the arms of her Lord on September 30, 2021, at the age of 83 years. Her parents were Erwin and Sidonia Wenzel and she was one of nine children. Irene had many memories of her youth and she was very proud of the fact that she attended St. John’s Parochial School, which was near their farm. She could instantly recall the many stories that were inevitably generated by eight vibrant, energetic and sometimes quite mischievous siblings. She dearly loved them all.
Soon after finishing school, she met a young, handsome farmboy from Fox Valley, Sask. They soon developed a love for each other that has been pure, faithful, ever-growing, honest, complete and a model for us all. She gladly married Harold Jackle on November 30, 1956. Their marriage was blessed with the arrival of Cheryl, Marlan and Kenneth. Harold and Irene supported and loved each other for nearly 65 years.
Through hard work and perseverance, they built a life centered around the farm, their immediate and extended families, the Trinity Lutheran Church in Fox Valley and an ever-growing and faithful group of friends. Her family and children were always very important to her. Her faith in God and the church were a big part of her life. She was active in the community and was instrumental in the initiation of the Art Show and Craft Sale in Fox Valley. She enjoyed curling as well as many of the other activities that were available in the community. Any list of Irene’s activities would never be complete because she was constantly using her intelligence and ingenuity to explore new things, new ideas, new skills.
Irene was predeceased by her parents, Erwin and Sidonia Wenzel; her brothers, Arthur, Melvin, Reuben, Merrel and Rodney; her cherished sister, Jean and her beloved daughter, Cheryl.
She will be remembered by her husband Harold; sons, Marlan (children: Daniel, Sherene and Travis) and Ken (with Phillane and children Tiara and Tenille) and Cheryl’s sons: Robert (Kirstie), Michael and Marlan (with Jenna and great-grandchildren Noah and Charlotte) as well as Cheryl’s extended family of Fred Triskle (children James (with Haley and great-grandchild Serenity) and Nonnien.) She is also survived by her brothers, Hilbert (Arlene) and Douglas (Dory) as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Irene and Harold were able to travel to many places and they enjoyed every trip. Cypress Hills was always a cherished destination. Memories were gathered from each excursion and were gladly recounted. Playing cards with their neighbors after a good rain was always a great treat and so was dancing at the Fox Valley Hall with friends and neighbors. The Annual Massive Easter Egg Hunt at the farm was a treat for all the family. Each of these family events was always followed by a great meal and lots of desserts, talking and fellowship. Irene was an excellent cook and baker and her experiments with different foods always turned out delicious.
Irene was extremely talented at crafts, quilting and card making. Her quilts will keep her family and friends warm for years and anyone who received one of her hand-made cards will treasure it for its beauty and perfection.
This was written on one of Mom’s ever-present teddy bear notes:
“If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together,
Keep me in your heart, Ill stay there for ever.”
The family would like to thank River Ridge Retirement Residence for their care for Irene.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions and at Irene’s request, a small service for the immediate family will be held. The Celebration of her life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel on Friday, October 8, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Ken Edel officiating. Interment will take place at a later date. Irene’s celebration will be live streamed. Those who cannot attend but wish to experience the chapel service may visit www.cooksouthland.com and select the ‘View Broadcast’ button on the homepage at service time. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com). In lieu of flowers, donations in Irene’s memory may be made to the Lutheran Hour radio at www.Lutheranhour.org Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 - 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4V4. Telephone toll free 403-528-6455.