Irene A. Soldatke, age 80, passed away Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls. Funeral Mass will begin at 10:30AM on Saturday, July 21 at St. Lambert Catholic Church in Sioux Falls with interment to follow at St. Michael Cemetery. The family will be present to greet friends for visitation from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday at St. Lambert Catholic Church with Liturgical Wake Service beginning at 7:00 PM.

Irene Agnes Scholten was born on August 22, 1931 in Alvord, Iowa to John and Alieda (Lens) Scholten. She grew up on the family farm near Larchwood, Iowa where she graduated from St. Mary’s School. After graduation, Irene moved to Sioux Falls where she met Joseph Soldatke. The two were married on May 20, 1961 and together made their home in Sioux Falls where Irene worked for Sheehan Equipment and Sales for over 30 years.

Irene was a long-time member of St. Lambert Catholic Church and the Independent Order of Foresters. During retirement, Irene volunteered at Avera McKennan Hospital. She enjoyed bowling (competing in many tournaments), dancing, and playing cards. She loved to bake and was known for her delicious angel food cake and cinnamon rolls with a fruit surprise in the center. Irene’s most important treasure, however, was her family, especially her beloved grandchildren. She always stayed busy with her grandchildren’s activities.

Grateful for having shared her life are her sons, Scott (Kim) Soldatke of Sioux Falls, Chad (Dawn) Soldatke of Oregon, WI, and Troy Soldatke of Sioux Falls; three grandchildren, Tyler, Alexis, and Katelyn; four sisters, Ann (Ray) Burkard of Larchwood, IA, Mary Kearney of Sioux City, IA, Veronica (Dick) Tuschen of Salem, SD, and Rose (Dale) Carmen of Sioux Falls; three brothers, George (Donna) Scholten of Luverne, MN, John (Dorothy) Scholten of Dell Rapids, SD, and Cletus (Shirley) Scholten of Sioux Falls; many dear relatives and friends.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband Joe, on June 21, 2011; four infant sons, James, Jeffrey, Todd, and Cory; parents, John and Alieda Scholten; three sisters, Betty Wall, Theresa Schettler, and Dorothy Schettler; four brothers, Raymond Scholten, Joe Scholten, Paul Scholten ,and Larry Scholten.