Irene Ann Zeilmann

Irene Ann Zeilmann age 89 of Linn, Mo peacefully went to God's arms after suffering a stroke on Friday, January 23, 2009 at St Mary's Health Center in Jefferson City.

She was born March 28, 1919 near Rich Fountain, Mo to the late John Adolph and Emma C. (Porting) Ruettgers.

Irene attended school at the Mt Aeriel Rural School for her primary grades. She graduated from Sacred Heart School in 1934 and then she attended 2 years of high school at Sacred Heart. Her family then moved to Linn where she completed high school, graduating in 1938. She attended summer sessions at the Rolla Normal School and then returned to teach at the Mt. Aeriel School for several years where she taught all 8 grades. She worked at the Linn Pants Factory and the Unterrified Democrat as a linotype operator.

On October 22, 1940 she was united in marriage to Henry Zeilmann in Linn. He survives of the home. She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed gardening and bowling. Her greatest loves were her family and quilting.

Irene was very active in her community. She served as 4-H leader for over 25 years; she was a member of the Osage County Extension and later a member of the Linn Women's Club for over 50 years. She was a member of St George Church and the St. Ann's Sodality serving as officer in various capacities. She was a member of the St. George Sewing Circle; she was active in the Western Catholic Union and served as an officer for 30 years. She served on the Board of Control in Quincy, IL for 7 years. Irene was a charter member of the Osage County Historical Society; she served on the board of the American Lung Association of Eastern Missouri for 12 years. She was an active member of the Ladies Auxiliary for VFW Post 4756 for over 40 years and served as District 2 President.

In 1977 Irene was named to the "Who's Who of American Women" for her volunteer work. Irene was a Distinguished Graduate of Sacred Heart School She was also an active participant in the Osage Unit of the American Cancer Society for over 40 years serving as an officer and fund crusade chairperson.

In addition to her husband, Irene is survived by three daughters, Jacqueline A. and her husband Fred Huhman of Jefferson City, Doris Ann and her husband Felix Frank of Rich Fountain and Deborah and her husband Craig Cartney of Oella, MD.
Two sisters, Eleanor Ruettgers of Council Bluffs, IA and Alice Lock of Loose Creek. Ten grandchildren, Scott, Shane, Curt and Craig Hale, Ann (Ponder), Dave, Rita (Franken),Aaron Frank and Doug and Jenny (Speaker) Cartney. Twelve great grandchildren as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by five sisters, Genevieve Eisterhold, Beatrice Connors, Henrietta Palmer, Rita Timmerberg and Ida Schaefer.

Irene spent all of her life helping others. She was always willing to help at church when something needed to be done. She worked with children in 4-H as a community leader teaching sewing and cooking, traveling with many of the children to camp and to Washington D.C. She made beautiful quilts that she gave to her children and grandchildren. She also donated many quilts to churches and other organizations. She made lap robes for the veteran's homes and visited nursing homes regularly. She lived a good Christian life of giving and caring and was a good role model for her family and everyone who knew her.

Visitation for Irene will be 4:00pm-7:30pm Monday January 26, 2009 at Morton Chapel in Linn.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00am Tuesday January 27, 2009 at St George Church. Interment will follow at St George Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to St George School Foundation Fund or to the Good Shepherd Food Pantry.