Irene M. Krolak
Monday, October 12, 1931
Date of Death:
Thursday, February 8, 2024
Age:
92 years old
Monday, October 12, 1931
Date of Death:
Thursday, February 8, 2024
Age:
92 years old
Monday, October 12, 1931
Date of Death:
Thursday, February 8, 2024
Age:
92 years old
Irene M. Krolak
Irene Marie (Ernat) Krolak
Irene Marie (Ernat) Krolak passed away peacefully on February 8th in Rochester, Minnesota.
Born on October 12, 1931, to John and Stella (Slomian) Ernat, she spent her first years on her parents’ farm. After her father’s death in 1933, Irene, her mother and three siblings–Richard, Eugenia, and Dorothy–moved to Spring Valley, Illinois. Irene graduated from Hall Township High School in 1949, then attended St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing in Peoria, IL, graduating in 1952. She was a Registered Nurse at St. Francis Hospital and later at St. Margaret’s Hospital in Spring Valley, IL.
Irene was introduced to Ray Krolak by her sister at a dance in Peru, IL in 1954. They were married on August 27, 1955, and moved to Rochester, Minnesota, where Ray was employed by IBM. They later enjoyed temporary assignments in Colorado, California and Great Britain. Ray and Irene raised 5 children: David (Beth) Krolak, Diane (Deane) Peterson, Joseph (Melanie) Krolak, Paul (Amy) Krolak, and Karen (Joel) Anderson. They were blessed with 13 grandchildren: Brian Krolak, John Krolak, Sarah Krolak, Justin Peterson, Myles Peterson, Sam Peterson, Rachel Nohling, Jordan Krolak, Benjamin Krolak, Kelsey Krolak, Amelia Verstraete, Nicholas Anderson, Riley Anderson, and 6 great-grandchildren: Suzanna Krolak, Winifred Krolak, Blythe Krolak, Bramm Krolak, Milo Verstraete, and Levi Nohling.
Irene enjoyed quilting and sewing and was a member of the Rochester Quilters Sew-ciety, regularly sharing her works in their fall Quilt Shows. Many of her quilts were donated to Lourdes High School and Good Earth Village for their annual auctions. She sang in the St. Pius X Choir for many years, volunteered as a lunch monitor at St. Pius Elementary School, participated in many church activities and played the part of ‘Marian the Librarian’ in a Church Musical. Irene especially enjoyed the choir “afterglow” events following Christmas Eve Midnight Mass. Ray and Irene enjoyed traveling, time with family, summer weeks at the cabin, hosting and attending ‘quilt camp’, and attending their kids’, grandkids’ and great grandkids’ sporting and arts events.
Irene is survived by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and her sisters, Eugenia and Dorothy. Irene was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Richard, and her husband Raymond.
Memorial Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Rochester. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service at St. Pius. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester.
Memorials are preferred to St. Pius X Catholic Church and The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, District Council of Rochester, MN.
Irene’s family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Madonna Towers, Cottagewood Senior Communities and Seasons Hospice for their skilled and compassionate care.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
Condolences
The family of Irene M. Krolak has received the following condolences.
My deepest sympathies to All of the family. Irene was such a sweet lady with a Beautiful smile. May her memories live on forever in your hearts.
My deepest sympathies to All of the family. Irene was such a sweet lady with a Beautiful smile. May her memories live on forever in your hearts.
I was so sorry to hear of Irene's passing. I have very fond memories of Irene and Ray singing in the choir at St. Pius when I accompanied on the organ when I was in high school (over 50 years ago now). I remember them as being very kind and funny. Gene Eiden directed that choir during that time. When I graduated, I left for the Air Force and when I came back, the Krolaks were still singing in the choir. I'd seen Ray and Irene occasionally over the years and always remembered them when I'd run into them. I pray that the memories you have of your parents are comforting you at this difficult time.
My condolences, Dave, to you and to all of your family on the passing of your Mother. Truly sad news.