Irene M. Lehman, 95, Mitchell, died Sunday, January 9, 2011. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Saturday, January 15, 2011 at the Will Funeral Chapel with burial at Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the Will Funeral Chapel.

Irene Lehman was born on January 30, 1015 to Walter and Mamie (Schlund) Krause, in Loomis, SD. She was baptized in the Lutheran Church on April 9, 1916. She attended eight years of grade school in a one-room schoolhouse in Loomis. Graduating from high school in Mitchell in 1932, Irene was a violinist in the high school orchestra.

She married Eugene W. Lehman, and the family moved to Pickstown where Irene managed the bowling alley for three years. They then moved to Pierre, SD for 11 years. Moving to Libby, MT in 1966 she owned and managed the Hotel Libby until returning to live in Mitchell in 1971.

Irene belonged to the local bowling association in Mitchell and the National Bowling Congress. She attended several State and National bowling tournaments. Irene was a life-time member of the American Legion. She also enjoyed quilting, crocheting and crafts.

Surviving Irene are her children, Richard (Carol) Lehman of Ardmore, OK and Deanna (Bill) Simpson of Morrison, IL; eight grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 1972, and infant daughter, Shirley Ann; sons, Donald and Douglas; and her three brothers, Donald Krause, Alvin Krause and Ray Krause.

Irene will always be remembered for her sense of humor, strength and selflessness by those who loved her. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.