Irene Josephine Bermel
February 25, 1922 — February 17, 2012
Irene Josephine Bermel, age 89, passed away Friday, February 17, 2012 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska.
Irene Josephine Kudera was born, February 25, 1922, in Clarkson, Nebraska to Joseph and Josephine Kudera. After graduating from School District #51 in Colfax County Nebraska she attended Lincoln Cosmotology School graduating in January of 1944. Irene owned and operated a beauty salon in Lincoln, Nebraska. On June 11, 1948, she married Dale Bermel in Oakland, Nebraska. They lived in various towns in Nebraska before settling down in Ogallala, where they managed the Tastee Drive Inn for many years. Irene also managed the Hungry Indian in Ogallala for six years. In 1976, Irene moved to Stratton, Nebraska and owned and operated the Village Inn. After several years, she worked as head cook for the Benkelman Hester Home. In 2001 she retired in Stratton. She then moved to Benkelman where she lived at the Rainbow Apartments and eventually moved in to the Hester Home as a permanent resident. One of Irene’s favorite past times, was driving to see family and friends. She loved playing cards and putting puzzles together. Irene was a long time member of the VFW Auxiliary.
Irene was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and two sisters Mildred and Delores.
Survivors include one daughter Fraya Krukar (Mike) Anchorage, Alaska, three sons, Dana, Stratton, Nebraska, David (Sandy), Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Doug (LeAnne), Des Moines, Iowa. Grandchildren, Renetta Chavez (Clint), Sidney, Nebraska, Regina Goeller (Corry), Round Rock, Texas, Michelle Walters (Jim), Des Moines, Iowa, Lauran Krause (Devon), Enid, Oklahoma, Matt (Megan), Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Four Great-Grandchildren., Kaleigh and Brody Chavez, Alexis Walters, Catherine (CJ) Goeller. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Irene’s memory at the McCook National Bank 403 Bailey Street Stratton, NE 69043.
A celebration of Irene’s life will be held at the Rainbow Fountains Park in Benkelman, Nebraska from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, February 25, 2012. A private inurnment will be held at a later date in Clarkson, Nebraska.