Irene Bures, 83, of Wagner

Funeral Mass will be 10 AM, Friday, October 9, 2009 at St. John's Catholic Church in Wagner. Burial is in the parish cemetery, rural Wagner. Visitation will be Thursday from 10 AM until 5 PM at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Wagner. Rosary/wake services are 7 PM, Thursday at the church.

Irene L. Bures was born December 14, 1925 to John and Agnes (Blaha) Pesicka on a farm southeast of Pickstown, SD. She passed away peacefully Sunday, October 4, 2009 at her home in Wagner. Irene attained the age of 83 years, 9 months and 19 days.

Irene attended an area country grade school. She went to Ravinia Consolidated High School for two years and then graduated from Lake Andes High School in 1944. Irene attended Southern State Teachers College and attained a teaching certificate. She taught country school west of Lake Andes for two years.

Irene married Ernest Bures on February 2, 1948 in Vermillion, SD. They resided on the family farm south of Ravinia for 54 years. During their time on the farm, Irene and her family milked cows for over 30 years. Besides being the cutest Milk Maid in Charles Mix County, Irene also worked outside of the home. She worked at GF Buche Company and Nick's Supermarket in Lake Andes and also worked at the Lake Andes Nursing Home. In 1982 Irene was hired to the position of Post Master at the Ravinia Post Office where she served 19 years of dedicated service. Also in 1982 she took the position as the Nutrition Site Manager for the R.O.C.S. Golden Age Meals Program at their Ravinia site. Irene gave 16 years of dedicated service to this program. In October 2002, Irene moved to the West Side Estates apartment complex in Wagner where she lived until her passing.

Irene served on the St Mark's Catholic Church Parish Council and the Ravinia School Board. She was a member of the Charles Mix VFW Auxiliary 3239, St. John's Catholic Church, and St John's Altar Society and was the President of the West Side Card Club.

Irene will be remembered for her love of family and friends. She always had a smile and was so thoughtful and kind to everyone. Irene was proud of her Czech heritage and loved polka music. She was the biggest fan of the Bures Bohemian Band and enjoyed dancing to their music. Irene and her family were well known for the many Labor Day floats they built for the parade. She was known for making long john rolls and Irene's Chili served after the dances. Irene loved playing cards, especially gin. She was an avid Minnesota Twins Fan and enjoyed watching the games with her good friend, Hattie Krsnak. Irene enjoyed the time spent with all her dear friends at West Side Estates and they were a special part of her life.

Thankful for having shared her life are her children and their spouses: Leona and Wayne Bergin of Wagner, the late Edward Bures and wife Jacalyn of Wagner, Ernie Ray and Debbie of Tyndall, Jo Ann and Ron Mazourek of Wagner, Richard and Deb of Aberdeen, Marilyn and Greg Markley of Aberdeen, Tom and Donajean of Sgt. Bluff, IA, Helen (Babe) and Brian Martin of Sunray, TX, Frank and Dawn of Wagner; 23 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren; a step daughter, Alona Ebright and 4 step grandchildren. Irene is survived by her sister, Evelyn Patocka of Lake Andes, sister-in-laws, Rosalene Pesicka of Lake Andes and Helen Linhart of Oregon and a host of relatives and friends.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband on June 4, 2001; son, Edward on November 7, 1998; two infant grandchildren; her parents; three brothers: Henry, Adolph and Louis; three sisters: Adeline McGhee, Wilhelmina Dominiack and Alfreda Jensen; and a step son-in-law, Verlyn Ebright.

Irene has touched so many lives in one way or another and will be deeply missed. Our memories of her will be cherished forever.