The memorial service for Irene D. Thoreson will be at 11:00AM, Saturday, July 26, 2014 at People of Hope Church in Rochester with Pastor Dan Doering officiating.  A time of gathering will be held one hour prior to the service on Saturday.  As Irene gave in life, she's giving in death by donating her body to Mayo Anatomical Bequest Program.

Irene passed away with her family at her side at Liberty Adult Foster Care in Rochester on Thursday, July 24, 2014.

Irene was born February 15, 1947 in Blue Earth, Minnesota to Donald and Dorothy (Swift) Brownlee.  She grew up in Blue Earth until 11 ^th grade and graduated from Winnebago High School in 1966.  She married Gary Winter on July 10, 1964 and later divorced.  She married Rollin "Ron" Thoreson on March 21, 1974 in Sioux Falls, SD and later divorced.  She operated a day care in Rochester for many years and also sold insurance.  Irene livened up a room when she walked in and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Survivors include her children Steven G. Winter of Rochester, Scott H. Winter of Rochester and Ronda M. Thoreson (Samuel Carlson) of Rochester; grandchildren, Stephanie M. Winter, Zachary D. Winter, Malique Thoreson, Dontay Carlson, Donavyn Carlson and Demetrious Carlson; siblings, Shari (Jerry) Cloutier of Minneapolis, Duane (Wendy) Brownlee of Detroit Lakes, MN, Phyllis Haase of Rochester, Milden (Judy) Brownlee of Blue Earth, MN, Joyce Schuster of Sioux Falls, SD and Dennis Brownlee of Sioux Falls, SD and best friends, Jo Ford, Kathleen Carney and Gail Keller.  Irene was preceded in death by her parents.

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com