Irene Carol Schmig age 81, of Mitchell, died Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at Avera Brady and Rehab. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Saturday at Holy Family Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 PM Friday at Will Funeral Chapel with a scripture service beginning at 7:00 PM with rosary to follow. Burial will be in Servicemans Memorial Cemetery.

Irene Carol Johnson, daughter of Frank and Amanda (Gusenius) Johnson, was born on February 5, 1928 in Bristol, SD. She grew up on the family farm and attended school in the Bristol area. Irene graduated from Bristol High School and then attended Beautician School in Watertown, SD. She met Alvin Schmig and the couple was united in marriage on October 9, 1948 in Mitchell, SD. They made their home in Mitchell and in 1967 bought a farm southeast of Mitchell. The couple moved to the farm in 1972 and farmed there for 30 years. In 1996 Irene made her home at Wesley Acres in Mitchell and continued to live there until her death.

She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church and was involved in bible study and the prayer chain. Irene loved to garden, raise flowers and take care of her animals on the farm. She was a devoted mother and grandmother and enjoyed fishing with her family. Irene was an avid bingo player and volunteered with Meals on Wheels. She will always be remembered as a devoted Minnesota Twins Baseball Fan.

Grateful for having shared her life are her five children, Roger (Marge) Schmig, St. Paul, MN, Gene (Betty) Schmig, Stoneville, NC, Paul (Marlene) Schmig, Mitchell, SD, Carol (Fred) Stransky, Mitchell, SD, David (Lynne) Schmig, Mitchell, SD; three grandchildren, Stephanie (Chris) Kohler, Farmington, MN, Jacqueline (Aaron) Boyer, Honolulu, HI, Troy Schmig, Sioux Falls, SD; four great grandchildren, Amber, Kaitlyn, Tanner and Tucker; a special friend, Walter Wegehaupt, Mitchell, SD.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin on June 26, 1995; a granddaughter, Jennifer; a brother, Earl; and her parents.