Irene Weis

Irene Weis, 102, of Willmar, died Monday, May 18th at her home, with her family by her side. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am, Friday, June 5th at Church of St. Mary in Willmar. Visitation will be two hours prior to her service. Burial will be at Lake Lillian Community Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in Willmar, www.hafh.org

Irene's service will be live-streamed on the churches website ( https://www.ourlivingwater.org/ireneweis.html )

It is with our hearts full of love that we announce the passing of our beautiful and amazing mother. Irene passed in her beloved Willmar home with family at her side on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 102 years old.

Irene Catherine (Thein) Weis was born in Clara City, MN on January 14. 1924. She was the fourth oldest of thirteen children born to Peter and Gertrude (Krommen) Thein. Irene received the sacraments of Baptism, Holy Communion, Penance, Confirmation and Marriage at St. Clara's Catholic Church in Clara City.

As was the custom for her generation, many of the Thein children spent their school years attending boarding schools. Irene was one of those children. She remembered those years vividly throughout her entire life and credited her "grit in life" to those years. When World War II broke out and gasoline was rationed, Irene spent her last two years in high school and graduated from Clara City High School. She thrived playing solo trumpet in concerts and played the lead as "Jo" in the school play "Little Women". According to "family lore", the play was such a huge success they wanted it to be performed in neighboring schools. It remained one of the highlights and memories of Irene’s life even into her 100 plus years. After high school Irene attended St. Cloud Business School and later worked for Honeywell in Minneapolis.

While at the "Sheep Shedde" in Olivia with her brother Joe, a dashingly handsome young sailor in his white US Navy uniform, who was on leave during WWII,  asked her to dance and stole her heart. That sailor was Henry Weis and they married May 9, 1945, at St. Clara's Catholic Church.

The young couple lived in Bird Island for 2 years before they bought a farm near Lake Lillan where they remained until Henry's passing in 1996. Henry and Irene raised their seven children on that farm. Irene enjoyed her beautiful flower and vegetable gardens, baking, canning and all that came with raising a large family. What sustained her most was her family and her devotion to St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Lake Lillian.

She and Henry were members for over 50 years. They volunteered teaching CCD classes and served on the building committee. Irene was an active member of the Altar Society and church choir. Henry and Irene's volunteerism and devotion were noted with being recipients of the Diocesan Award by Bishop Lucker on March 13, 1996. Henry and Irene spent many winters in New Smyrna Beach, Florida enjoying the warm weather and walking the beach until Henry's passing on March 13, 1996.

Irene continued her winter pilgrimage to New Smyrna Beach. It was there she was introduced to Tony Ellis of East Northport, Long Island, NY. Irene and Tony married and made their home in Willmar and Sun City Center, Florida. In Florida Irene continued living her strong Catholic faith as a member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church and choir where her renowned choir gave many notable concerts.

Irene had an adventuresome spirit and was always willing to try new things. She traveled extensively including climbing the Great Wall of China when she was 74, strolling the streets of Positano, Ravello and beautiful Capri, Italy, visiting the sights of Rome including the Vatican, and Sistine Chapel, and touring Amsterdam and the world famous flower gardens of Keukenhof. Irene traveled to the Thein family homeland of Bech, Luxembourg and visited with cousins still living in Bech. She walked the St. Charles Bridge of Prague and toured the many towns along the Rhine River. She traveled to Puerto Vallarta and Cabo St. Lucas always enjoying the beautiful oceans and views. She enjoyed Alaska, the fall foliage of New England, and the desert landscapes of Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona.

After Tony's passing Irene found companionship and married Leo Pirsch of Willmar. They enjoyed stimulating conversation, friends, fine dining and winters in Florida. Leo passed in 2016 after which Irene remained in her Willmar home.

During her years alone Irene sustained herself through faith and devotion to family. A lifelong Democrat she followed the political scene with knowledge and intensity. She was an avid reader of books, newspapers and magazines to form her views along with a few of her favorite television shows. She was passionate about her views and quite an activist. She could be seen at many NO KINGS rallies with her sign in hand. Keeping up on all current events she could tell you just what was happening in the world along with where and why.

Irene also enjoyed playing cards with her Saturday Night Friends group and many gatherings with her wonderful neighbors. These neighbors watched over her and checked up on her. She felt their love and concern which she appreciated immensely.

Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will have lifelong memories of her "Happy Birthday" singing phone calls, being present at all the major events in their lives, and her continuous concern, interest and love for them. The wonderful Christmas memories on the farm will forever be etched in their hearts. Her children will remember her beauty, grace, resilience, grit and iron will as she aged to 100 and beyond.

Irene is survived by her children: JoEllen (Lee) Rodel, Mark (Ann) Weis, Barbara Weis, Doug (Linda) Weis, Peter (Sharon Fisher) Weis, and Bill Weis; grandchildren: Stephanie (Jason) Hartman, Jeff (Beata) Rodel, Laura (Chris) Jehle, Joel (Meghan) Weis, Greg (Kate) Weis, Steven (Sara) Weis, Fox Johnston, Zachary Johnston, Jacob Johnston, Amy (Nick) Stien, and Nick Weis; great grandchildren: Cole, Bree, and Carly Hartman, Tanner and Addison Rodel, Cari Jehle, Audrey and Theo Weis, and Addison Weis. siblings: Dennis (Margie) Thein, Phyllis (Joe) Thein O'Brien, and Barbara (Bob) Lee.

Irene was preceded in death by her son, Michael J Weis; great-grandchildren: Brett Hartman and Mason Weis; siblings: Cecelia (Jim) Larson, Doris (Walter) Irvin, Marie (Richard) Barron; infant baby, Marie, Mildred (Lou) Branca, Joe Thein, Leonard (Irene) Thein, Peter (Donna) Thein Jr., and Stanley (Velma and Kathleen) Thein.

Irene is the last surviving member of the Henry J Weis generation: Those preceding her in death are: Margaret (Harry) Hank, Lorraine (Cliff) Oslund, Katherine (Len) Miller, Dorothy (Jerry) Vavricka, Helen (Jack) Visser, Phyllis (Ed) Graves, Cecelia (Smitty) Smith, Florence (Enis) Amberg, Donald (June) Weis, Clarence (Florentine) Weis, Adrian (Germaine) Weis, Gladys (Ed) Schultz.

Please keep our mother in your hearts and prayers.

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