Irene D. Stigen, 100, Halstad, MN, died peacefully on Friday, February 25, 2022 at Halstad Living Center in Halstad. 
Irene Delores Stigen was born on May 6, 1921, to Palmer and Inga (Aalgaard) Holm in rural Halstad, Minnesota. She was baptized on June 19, 1921, and confirmed on November 3, 1935. Irene attended school in a one-room schoolhouse until the 8th grade with her siblings, Herman, Myrtle, and Kenneth, and three cousins, Harold Holm, and Carol, and Hazel Aalgaard. Growing up Irene enjoyed playing baseball and taught herself to play piano and accordion.
Irene married Walter Stigen on June 22, 1943, and following Walter’s discharge from the Army, they made their home in Halstad. Together they loved to go to old-time dances and play cards and marbles. Irene enjoyed quilting alone, and with the ladies at the church each week. She was also a great seamstress.
Over the years Irene worked at a local store, a bakery, and for a dry cleaner. But the work she cherished most was being the primary caregiver for her three grandchildren. Irene’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren held an extra special place in her heart. She loved pushing them on the swings and giving them “underdogs” well into her 80s. She was always willing to help out, whatever the task may be, and at whatever age she was. She ran everywhere and would do anything for her family.
Irene’s family came first and because of her fun-loving, caring, nurturing, and giving personality, her family cherished her and everything she did to make them feel special. She loved her time at the farm with family on weekends. She was a wonderful cook and often made potato dumplings, lefse, apple bars, pies, and salads to share with everyone.
Irene is survived by her daughter, Diann (Robert) Williams, Ada, MN; grandsons, Blaine Williams, and Troy (Shirley) Williams; granddaughter, Tanya (Brandon) Adams; great-grandchildren, Jarrett Williams, Garrett and Hannah Williams, and Camryn, Blake, and Molly Adams; sister, Inez Anderson; brother, Morris Holm; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Irene is preceded in death by her parents, Palmer and Inga; husband, Walter; brothers, Irvin Holm, Herman Holm, Kenneth Holm, Wallace Holm, and Eugene Holm; and sisters, Myrtle Ramstad, Eunice Wang, and Marlys Selvig.
Funeral: 2:00 PM Saturday, March 5, 2022, at Halstad Lutheran Church, Halstad, MN.
Visitation: One hour before the funeral at the church on Saturday.
Interment: Augustana Lutheran Cemetery, Rural Halstad, MN.
Please view our guestbook and share condolences online at www.fredriksonfh.com
Arrangements with Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Homes Ada & Halstad, Minnesota
