Irene Sylvia Treakle's Obituary
Irene Treakle
Born 5/13/1926 in Minnewaukan, North Dakota, Irene Sylvia Treakle passed away peacefully on 7/18/2018 surrounded by her family.
Irene grew up on a farm near Devil’s Lake in North Dakota, and was the third youngest of 11 children. As a teenager, Irene moved to Tacoma in 1943 when her father and brothers came to work in the shipyards during World War II. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1944, and with her sister, Elvera, began working in the shipyards as a shipfitter’s helper.
After being introduced through mutual friends, Irene married Mel Treakle on November 1, 1947, and between 1949 and 1961 they had four children – Kandy, Karen, Kay and John. During their life together, Irene and Mel were avid dancers and taught square dancing around Tacoma. They loved being with Irene’s large and engaging family, had many friends, and enjoyed annual square dance camp-outs and summers at Offut Lake. Irene was involved in the PTA, and for many years worked seasonally at the Tacoma – Pierce County Humane Society.
For the last six years, Irene lived at the Tacoma Lutheran Home, where she was cared for by an extraordinary staff of compassionate caregivers.
She is survived by her brother Duane Peterson, and her children Kandy (Mike Osmon), Karen (Philip Hofmann), Kay (Bruce Hoeft) and John (Terri Treakle); five grandchildren: Nathan, Justin, Alie, Ashlee, and Hanna, and four great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held in the Garden Chapel at Mountain View Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 24, at 2:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Tacoma Lutheran Home in memory of Irene Treakle.
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