Irene Ann Wehrstedt (nee Friesen)
October 23, 1940 – July 7, 2024
It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Irene Ann Wehrstedt (nee Friesen) at her residence in Princess Court with her daughter by her side on July 7, 2024.
Irene grew up in the Vermilion Bay area where she met John, her husband of 64 years. She started out cleaning cabins, moving on to working as a telephone operator for Bell Canada, and eventually taking a job at the Dryden Tree Nursery, where she worked for over 25 years. In her later years, she returned to school and earned a college diploma, graduating the same year her daughter graduated from university.
Irene was known as the energizer bunny, who just kept going and going. She was also quite well known as “Hot Wheels” to those that had the pleasure of riding with her. She was John’s dedicated partner on the farm and in his business ventures throughout their life together, and the hardest worker.
Irene did everything from breeding German Shepard puppies, picking pinecones & berries; gardening, refinishing furniture; making wine & homemade chocolates; to raising all kinds of animals on the farm; pickling; baking; preserving; bookkeeping; and sewing. She loved cats, researching family history, action movies, reading, and travelling just about anywhere.
She lived life to the fullest and her number one priority was family and keeping both immediate and extended family connected. She was well known for her large family dinners to celebrate just about any occasion.
Irene battled dementia for the last 7 years of her life with her family at her side. Her journey has ended, and she will be sorely missed by her family and friends.
Irene is survived by her husband John, son Jay (Carmen) Wehrstedt, daughter Kathy (Bill) Aho; grandchildren Michael, Johann, Caj, Samantha, Mackenzie and Hunter; and great-grandchildren Lucas and Addison. Irene is also survived by her siblings Leona (Norman) Ralph and Vernon Friesen. Irene was pre-deceased by her parents Gertrude and Isaak Friesen, her son Lance, and grandson Lance Jr.
We would like to thank the Princess Court Personal Support Workers and Nursing staff for the compassionate care they provided Irene and her family at the end of her life.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Waldhof Cemetery with Ron Booi officiating on Saturday, July 27th, 2024 at 1 p.m. Interment to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society in Kenora/Rainy River District, 618-9th St. N, Kenora, ON P9N 2S8 or the Vermilion Bay Lions Club, PO Box 314, Vermilion Bay, ON P0V 2V0
Condolences may be posted to www.dcfh.ca
Arrangements entrusted to the Dryden Community Funeral Home,
249 Grand Trunk Ave. Dryden, ON P8N 2X3
