Irene K. Ell, 86, of Redfield, SD, died Thursday October 23, 2014 at Golden Living Center in Redfield. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 27, 2014 at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Redfield. Father Christopher Hughes will celebrate the mass. After a time for lunch and fellowship, the burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in Aberdeen. Visitation will be Sunday from 2-8:00 p.m. with a rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Bernard's Catholic Church. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Irene Katherine Eiseman daughter of Adam and Katheryn (Ladner) Eiseman was born on the Eiseman farm 13 miles S.W. of Eureka on July 27, 1928. She attended rural school and Eureka High School graduating with the class of 1946. She attended Northern State Teaching College and received her teaching certificate then taught in Campbell County. After teaching, she moved to Aberdeen and attended Aberdeen Business School. She obtained a secretarial position at Aberdeen Sash and Door. Irene married Walter Ell in 1952. Several years later Walter died due to a work related accident at NSTC. In 1958, Irene married John J. Ell and they raised six children: Walter R. Ell of Redfield; Jeffrey J. (Beth Olson) Ell, of Aberdeen; Mark (Michelle) Ell of Rapid City, S.D; Kimberly K. Ell of Huron, S.D; Carla (Jim) Lutter of Fresno, CA; and Anthony J. Ell of Aberdeen.

After raising her children, Irene worked at St Luke's Hospital in Aberdeen in the business office. Then in 1972, the family moved to Redfield where John was employed by NWPS. Irene worked at Peavey Lumber Company until her retirement.

She was an active member at the CCD center, Legion Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary where she held most offices. Irene enjoyed golfing, bowling and cards. She graduated from the Dale Carnegie Course and was a member of the Red Hat Club. Irene loved reading, shopping, and working in her flower garden and was well known for her popcorn balls at Halloween.

In addition to her children, Irene is survived by husband John of 56 years, grandchildren: Mandi, Mindi and Malerie Ell, Megan Wiseman (Lutter), Bandon Lutter, Reilly and Kyler Ell, two great grandchildren: Willow and Connor and her sister Evelyn (Eiseman) Nikolas and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her first husband Walter, parents Adam and Katherine Eiseman, in-laws Casper and Matilda Ell, brother Bruno (Delila) Eiseman and Aunt Kathryn Schulkoski.