Irene Kolbet

Irene Lillian Kolbet, age 91, died Monday, July 14, 2008 at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook.

She was born January 4, 1917 to Nicholas and Magdalena “Lena” (Giespert) Kolbet at their homestead southeast of the St. Ann Church in Frontier County. She grew up in Hayes County where she attended school in a one room school house with her many brothers, sisters and cousins, causing much mayhem and mirth.

She joined the army in November 1942 in the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corp (WAAC), assigned to the photography section, and was stationed in Wilmington, North Carolina and Orlando, Florida. She was honorably discharged in November 1945.

She returned to the home farm to live with her mother and sister Elsie. She worked on the farm raising chickens, cattle and crops. The chickens, her pride and joy, provided eggs or were sold as fryers.

She was active in the St. Ann Church, where she belonged to the Altar Society. She also taught CCD (Catechism of Christian Doctrine) classes for the first through fourth grades and managed sales of St. Ann merchandise.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Nicholas and Lena Kolbet; sisters, Bernice Campbell, Emma Campbell, Elsie Kolbet, Sister Mary Everista (Dorothy Kolbet), Fern Palic; brothers, Charles Kolbet, Edward Kolbet, Dave Kolbet, Vernon Kolbet and Oscar Kolbet.

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Wanda Kolbet of Moreland, ID; and many nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly.

Memorials were to be given in her name.

Rosary was Saturday, July 19, 2008 9:30 a.m. at rural McCook St. Ann’s Catholic Church with Father Gary Brethour as Celebrant. Mass of Christian Burial followed at 10:00 a.m. Inurnment was in St. Ann’s Cemetery.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

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