Irene Sutlief

The passing of Irene Sutlief Saturday, Aug.23, 2008 has left a great emptiness in the lives of her family and friends.   The church service will be at Grace Baptist in Waseca Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. David Melin officating. Burial will be in Woodville Cemetery, Waseca. Visitation from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday at McRaith Funeral Home and one hour prior to the church service Wednesday.  Born on a farm west of New Richland Nov. 28, 1926 to Alice (nee Johnson) and Emil Moldenhauer, Irene graduated from Waseca High School in 1945. After working at Bird's Eye she ran Waseca Taxi with her husband Ralph. For many years she managed an adult foster care facility in her home and cared for her mother, Alice Tibbits.             A warm, friendly woman, Irene enjoyed family activities and the company of friends.  She was a compassionate person who made significant contributions to both friends and strangers. She also enjoyed flowers and cross stitching.  Irene was an early board member of the Minnesota Valley Action Council and a former member of the Venus Rebekah Lodge #160 in Waseca and a current member of the Liberty Rebekah Lodge #134 of Le Center, St. Peter Odd Fellow Lodge #12, the Nicollet Ladies Auxiliary Encampment #3 and a board member of Three Links Care Center in Northfield.             Preceded in death by husband Ralph, mother Alice and brother Arthur.              Survived by her sister Mickey Tibbits, brother LuVerne Moldenhauer, sister-in-law Sara Moldenhauer, foster daughter Laura Maas, friend Ben Matteson as well as nieces, nephews, adopted grandchildren and great grandchildren.   Her memory is cherished.               Pallbearers are: Doug Moldenhauer, John Langford, Bob Maas, Kenny Maas, Kris Maas, and Emmett Smith.