Irene Kuss

Irene M. (Ellefson) Kuss, of Raytown, Missouri, resident of Hidden Lake Care Center, died at "her home" on Sunday, March 26, 2006. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 A.M. Monday, April 3, 2006 at the Minnehaha Funeral Home, Garretson. Visitation will be from 2-4:00 PM Sunday, April 2, 2006 at the Minnehaha Funeral Home, Garretson.

Irene was born December 5, 1924 in Garretson, South Dakota, to Lewis and Alice Ellefson. After high school graduation she joined her sister Margaret in Kansas City, Missouri. She met Norbert Grieger, whom she married in 1944. They had two children, Sheryl Ann and Rodney. The family moved to Minnesota in 1947 for work. Irene worked as a die cast inspector and went to school for blue print reading.

Irene married Eugene “Gene” Kuss in 1964. After his death, she moved to California to be with her daughter. She became an electronic inspector, retiring in 1988 from Eaton Corporation of Westlake, California. While residing in California, Irene made many friends and accomplished her dream of painting.

Upon retirement, Irene moved to Kansas City, Missouri. Irene lived in the Booth Manner high rise and became involved in the activities there. She was president of the Residents’ Association at Booth Manner. After a stroke in 1999, Irene moved to Hidden Lake Care Center. Irene was pleasant, happy, full of wit, and helped others with bingo, which she played well and enjoyed. She recently started painting again, thanks to the activities director at H.L.C.C. Irene liked story reading time, and her pastor, Keith Ratcliffe of the Peace Lutheran Church, whom mentioned that she was remembering verses and prayers.

Irene is survived by both her children: daughter, Sheryl Reeves of Kansas City, Missouri; and son, Rodney (and Sharon) Grieger of Northfield, Minnesota; grandchildren: Dwayne (and Wendy) Reeves, Charles (and Juanita) Reeves, Tiffany and Tressa Grieger, and Michael (and Karen Ann) Grieger; great-grandchildren: Amanda McMahon, Eric and Crystal Lines, Dwayne Reeves, Jr., and Charles B. Reeves.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Kuss; sister, Shirley Burkey, and a brother Elmer Ellefson. She is also survived by brothers: Lloyd, of Luther, Oklahoma, Ted of Canton, North Carolina, Leonard of Garretson, South Dakota, Perry of Mission, Texas, Rodney of Estelline, South Dakota; a sister, Margaret Tarpley, of Greenville, Texas; and brother-in-law, Dwayne Grieger of Raytown, Missouri.