The funeral for Irene Grenz, 89, Napoleon, ND will be Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 11:00 AM at the United Methodist Church at Napoleon, ND. Visitation will be Monday from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a "Celebration of Irene's Life" at 7:00 PM at Dahlstrom Funeral Home, Napoleon, ND.


Irene Wittmier, was born on June 5, 1923 to Gust and Lydia (Franz) Wittmier of Streeter, ND. Irene arrived home peacefully to be with her Heavenly Father on Thursday, January 17, 2013, at the Napoleon Care Center.

Irene was born and raised on a farm 15 miles west of Streeter, ND and attended country school near the "Flat", which is a farming community SW of Streeter. At the age of 15, she sought employment in nearby Napoleon working at the Hank Brown Restaurant and the Wentz-Grenz Clothing & Grocery Store, co-owned by her future father-in-law.


Irene married John G. "Custer" Grenz on July 26, 1942 in Napoleon. From 1943 to 1954, they farmed 15 miles east of Napoleon, where Irene taught John the art of farming using horses. In 1954, the couple moved to Napoleon earning the title, "sidewalk farmers". Irene and Custer embarked on a second career when they purchased the Hank Brown Restaurant, where they opened a very popular dining hangout, called "Irene's Cafe".


Irene was an active member of the Napoleon Methodist Church, sharing her cooking skills with church activities and youth retreats. She belonged to Logan Homemaker's Club, and was a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary. For years, Irene enjoyed spending time playing cards and games with friends and family. Irene was an avid league bowler in Napoleon. Later in life, John and Irene enjoyed playing billiards and cards, scouting patio sales and hosting potluck meals during their 15 years as "snowbirds" in Mesa, AZ.


After a stroke in 2003, Irene moved from Napoleon to the assisted living in Bismarck. Edgewood Vista would be home for Irene for the next 9 years. In November 2012, Irene relocated to the Napoleon Care Center. She loved being back in her home surroundings and spending time with her relatives and friends.


She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, John "Custer" Grenz; a son, Gene Jerome; her parents, Lydia and Gust Wittmier; her in-laws, Christine and Gottlieb G. Grenz; 4 brothers, Alvin, Clarence, Eddie, and LeRoy Wittmier; and one sister, Marcella (Sally) Wentz.

Irene is survived by two sons, Harley (Gloria) Grenz, Napoleon, ND; Steve (Malai) Grenz, Cheyenne, WY; one daughter Karen (Jim) Strand, Hazelton, ND. Irene had 9 grandchildren; Michael (Traci) Grenz, Centennial, CO; Candice (Skip) Nelson, Sioux Falls, SD; Cindy Steiner, West Fargo, ND; Kelly (Kevin) Lindgren, West Fargo, ND; Ryan (Lisa) Strand, Lenexa, KS; Krista (Scott) Majkrzak, Horace, ND; Ashley Grenz, Grand Forks, ND; and Kayla Grenz Bismarck, ND; step-granddaughter, Jessica (Joshua) Haugen, Crary, ND. Irene was blessed with 12 great-grandchildren. Surviving in-laws are Arlys Wittmier, Loraine Schlacht, Lorene Grenz, Erv Meyer, and Calvin Wentz along with many special cousins. Share memories and sign online guestbook at www.dahlstromfuneralservice.com. Dahlstrom Funeral Home of Napoleon, ND entrusted with arrangements.