Funeral services for Irene Dolen Wacholz, age 83, of Albert Lea will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 22, at North Prairie Lutheran Church, rural Lake Mills, Iowa. The Rev. Randall Baldwin will officiate. Interment will be in North Prairie Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation is 5-8 p.m. today, May 21, at the Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the services at the church.

Irene died Monday, May 19, 2003, at her home in Albert Lea.

Irene Elvira Dolen Wacholz was born June 16, 1919, to Maynard and Jennie (Langfald) Maakestad in Winnebago County, Iowa. She was a member of Center Church, rural Lake Mills, where she was baptized, confirmed and united in marriage to John Dolen on Jan. 1, 1938. Irene and John made their home just outside Lake Mills on the family farm. After their marriage, she joined North Prairie Lutheran Church where she was an active member of Ladies Aid and Circle. Besides helping with the dairy and farming operation, Irene sold Avon, worked at Deluxe Mfg. and later Larson Mfg. in Lake Mills.

On Nov. 21, 1992, she married Maynard Wacholz and they made their new home in Albert Lea closer to their children. Irene loved golfing, bowling, playing cards with her friends from Lake Mills and Albert Lea, as well as quilting and crocheting. Her greatest pride was her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Irene is survived by a son, Allen Dolen and wife Susan of Bettendorf, Iowa, and their children, Korina and husband Todd Carlson of Waterloo, Iowa, Kodey Dolen and wife Sandy, and Kyle and Kaelan Dolen of Bettendorf; a daughter, Patricia and husband Allen Johnson of Albert Lea and their children, Bret Johnson and wife Michele of Kasson, and Mat Johnson and wife Christine of La Crescent; stepchildren: Maxine Wacholz of Albert Lea, and Harlan Wacholz and wife Cindy of Alden and their children, Wayne Wacholz of Walters, and Lori and husband Tom Koerber of Glenville; brother, Duane Maakestad and wife Jean of Fairmont; sisters: Opal Browning of Mason City, Iowa, and Adoline and husband Dale Martinson of Radcliff, Iowa; brother-in-law, Eldon Willis and wife Carole of Forest City, Iowa; as well as four great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents; husbands: John Dolen and Maynard Wacholz; and one brother and two sisters.

Irene was a very caring and loving person and will be sadly missed by everyone who knew her.