Irene M. Eilers 94 of Wessington Springs died Sunday evening June 21, 2009 at the Weskota Manor/Avera Health. Her memorial service was held at 11:00 AM Saturday June 27, 2009 at the Free Methodist Church with Pastor Don Grubb officiating. Burial of her cremated remains will be at a later date.

Irene Mildred Eilers was born on a farm east of Lane, SD on September 9, 1914 to Herman and Louise (Olsen) Martens. She grew up on a farm northwest of Wessington Springs where she also spent most of her adult life. Irene attended Long Lake rural school and graduated from Wessington Springs High School in 1933. She earned her teaching certificate from Wessington Springs College and taught rural schools in Jerauld County as well as Title 1 in Wessington.

On May 16, 1942, she married George Eilers who had emigrated from Germany before moving to South Dakota from Nebraska. To this union, four children were born.

Irene attended Harmony Friends Church where she taught Sunday and Bible School classes and was a member of the Harmony Ladies Aid. She was an active Farmers Union leader, volunteering her time and energy in the education department teaching classes and helping with summer camps. She also assisted with 4-H groups. Irene enjoyed traveling and took many trips with family and friends.

She possessed the gift of hospitality. She was sociable and loved to entertain. Irene worked hard, cared for her family, and always had a snack and cup of coffee ready for those who might stop. After moving to Hillcrest Heights when her husband passed away in 1993, she often delivered goodies on foot to friends and neighbors. She approached each challenge in life with eternal optimism.

Irene is survived by two daughters Janet Erickson of Mesa, Az and Florence (Dennis) Womeldorf of Wall, two sons Herman Eilers of Wessington Springs and Bruce (Cindy) Eilers of Wessington Springs, five grandchildren Lynsey, Whitney, and Hans Eilers, Austin and Adam Kaus, one great grandchild Avery Kaus, and a number of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one brother and three sisters.

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