Irene Marek

Irene Marek, age 96, of New Prague, died on Mother’s Day, May 10, 2015, at Mala Strana Health Care Center.  Irene was born on July 12, 1918 in Winger, Minnesota, to Axel K. and Anna (Olson) Lundin.  She attended Gossen Country School and moved to New Prague to work as a nanny for her sister, where she attended and graduated from New Prague High School.  Irene married George J. Marek on October 26, 1938 in Robbinsdale, MN.  The couple lived in a number of communities briefly before settling in New Prague.  Irene ran the Snack Restaurant from 1959-61, the Star Cafe from 1963-65, worked in real estate from 1965-67, and ran her own upholstery business for about 10 years.  She belonged to a bridge club and she and her husband were avid polka dancers.  In retirement, Irene and George formed a 2-man band, which they named the Playmates, in which George played the concertina and Irene the drums; they entertained at many nursing homes and organizations for disabled children.  Irene was a true extrovert, always wearing a smile, anxious to visit, and a consummate letter-writer.  She was proud of her Swedish heritage and took any opportunity to speak the language and corresponded with relatives in Sweden until ceasing that activity about a year ago.  She was an expert seamstress and animal lover, always having either a Yorkie or a Poodle once her family was grown and out of the home.  She loved traveling and lake activities at Spring Lake.  She and her husband tried wintering in the south for 4 winter seasons, 3 in Texas and 1 in Arizona before deciding that they were permanent residents here.

Irene is survived by daughter, Susan Murar of Ontario; sons, Kelly (& Bernice) of Veseli, Bill (& Cheryl) of Montgomery, Dan (& Malyn) of Eden Prairie, Scott (& Lori) of New Prague; 10 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren.  She is preceded in death by her husband George J. Marek on April 16, 2011; son, Thomas at age 13; 3 brothers, Hubert, Yngve, & Thor (in infancy) Lundin; sister, Karin “Inger” Ries.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, May 13, 2015, at 10:00 AM at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church.  Visitation will take place Tuesday, May 12th from 4 – 8 PM and Wednesday morning from 7:30 – 9:30 AM at Bruzek Funeral  Home.  Interment will occur at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery with lunch following at the KC Hall in New Prague.