Irene M. Ponstein

Funeral Service for Irene M. Ponstein, age 97, of Fairmont, MN, will be 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 12, 2024, at Bethel Evangelical Free Church in Fairmont with interment in Lakeside Cemetery in Fairmont. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Irene passed away on Thursday morning, July 4, 2024, at her daughter’s home in Fairmont. The Lakeview Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Fairmont is assisting the family with arrangements.

Irene Minnie (Sternke) Ponstein was born on April 4, 1927, in Minneota, MN. She was the daughter of Arthur and Ella (Vandewalker) Sternke. Irene attended Minneota public schools and graduated from Minneota High School.

On August 21, 1948, Irene was united in marriage to Donald Ponstein at Hemnes Lutheran Church in Minneota, MN. The couple resided in Butterfield MN, Ely MN, Windom, MN and were blessed with three children, Sandra, Donna, and Michael. Irene and Donald shared nearly 36 years together before Donald passed away unexpectedly on June 19th, 1984. Irene moved to Fairmont MN in 1991, and was an active member of Bethel Evangelical Free Church in Fairmont. During her free time she enjoyed gardening and baking. Irene most loved the time she was able to spend with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Left to cherish her memory include her children, Sandra (Gerry) Palo; Donna (Steve) Parnell, and Michael (Kay) Ponstein; grandchildren, Stacy (Matt) Gold, Melissa Palo, Alexis (Ryan) Katzer, Rebekah (Jon) Boer, Kellie (Nate) Reyelts, Stephanie (Jared) Schafer, Megan (Jason) Christenson, Wendy (Kevin) Graven, Rick (Monica) Ponstein, and Mark (Kylee) Ponstein; great grandchildren, Mati (Caden) Johnson, Sarah (Kyle) Kabanuk, Rachel (Collin) Eckman, Sam, Megan, Karl, and Logan Gold, Rowan and Hayden Katzer, Benjamin, Amanda, and Sam Boer, Annie, Evan, Collin, Julie, Mollie, Lauren, and Bethanie Reyelts, Owen, Levi, and Jack Shafer, Emma, Eli, Josie, and Clara Christenson, Mason and Bennett Graven, Mackenzie and Nolan Ponstein, Julia and William Ponstein; great-great granddaughter, Mabel Johnson; brother, Arden (Martha) Sternke; sister-in-law, Marilyn (Ron) Meyer; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Along with her parents, Arthur and Ella Sternke, Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Ponstein; brothers, Alvin (Elaine), Donald (Ardis), Marvin, and Harvey (Marie) Sternke; grandson Timothy Parnell; and great-great-grandson, Malakai Johnson.