Memorial
Irene Kathryn Espe, 92, of Cedar Rapids, died Friday, April 27, 2018 at West Ridge Care Center in Cedar Rapids. Funeral Service: 11:00 am Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at Cedar Hills Community Church in Cedar Rapids. A visitation will be held from 4:30 – 6:30 pm Monday, April 30, 2018 at Cedar Hills Community Church and one hour prior to service. Entombment: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery at 2:00 pm on Tuesday.
Irene was born January 24, 1926, the daughter of Thomas and Kate (Folkerts) Kruse, in Sheffield, Iowa. She graduated from Steamboat Rock High School. Irene then went on to graduate from Evangelical Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing in Marshalltown in January of 1947. During her career, she worked for St. Luke’s Hospital, and later, Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids. On February 26, 1954, Irene was married to Arnold L. Espe in Steamboat Rock.
Irene was a humble soul who lived a life of service to honor her Lord and Savior. She loved the beauty of God’s Creation, especially flowers and the birds who flocked to her feeders. Irene loved her family and enjoyed any time she spent with them, often reminding them that laughter was the best medicine for reviving the soul. Her sweet spirit encouraged everyone she met.
Irene attended First Baptist Church in Marion for over sixty years and was a very active member with many long-term friendships. In the last few years, she also attended Cedar Hills Community Church with her children. Irene was dedicated to volunteering with many organizations including: Bridgehaven and Indian Creek Nature Center.
Survivors include her three children, Ann Harris, Mark (Cindy) Espe, Mary (Kent) Landhuis; four grandchildren, Sarah (Josh) Wilson, Kyle (Taira) Harris, Casey (Nathan) Cooper, Ryan Espe; five great-grandchildren, Emmalyn Cooper, Autumn Irene Cooper, Tamsyn Harris, Calvin Wilson, Kester Wilson; two sisters, Ruth Bleeker, Shirley Meester; two sisters-in-law, Beulah Kruse, Eileen Kruse; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; five brothers, Ernie, Thomas, Arnold, Ronald, and Donald Kruse; niece, Suzanne Stephens; six brothers-in-law, Darryl Bleeker, Alvin Meester, Ohmer Girouex, Joe Girouex, Orvin Espe, Erwin Boeke; and four sisters-in-law, Lavonne Kruse, Lillian Boeke, Connie Espe, and Doris Girouex.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff of West Ridge Care Center, Synergy Homecare, and Unity Point Hospice for their wonderful care of Irene.
Memorials may be directed to Bridgehaven, 701 Center Point Rd NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 or to Equipping Youth, 118 3rd Ave SE #431, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 in memory of Irene.