A Celebration of Life service to honor the life and legacy of Irene Kathryn (Anderson) Wiens, age 92, of Lakeville, formerly of Windom, will be held at the American Lutheran Church on Friday, April 11th at 3:00 PM, with a visitation for Irene from 2:00 to 3:00 PM. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery in rural Windom. Guests attending the Celebration of Life are asked to wear something red, such as a tie or scarf, as a tribute to Irene.  The service will be livestreamed on the American Lutheran Church's Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Irene Kathryn (Anderson) Wiens was born on November 6, 1932, in Royal, Iowa, to the late John Andrew and Violet Hannah (Hjelm) Anderson and was baptized at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Irene attended grade school in Royal, until the family relocated to Dale Township, Cottonwood County, Minnesota. There she attended Windom High School and graduated in the class of 1950. She completed her post-secondary studies at Mankato State University, earning a degree in education.

On June 3, 1956, Irene married the love of her life, Marvin M. Wiens at The American Lutheran Church in Windom. The couple was blessed with two sons, Mark and Joel, and the couple painfully lost two daughters in infancy. Marvin passed away on July 8, 2003. Irene later married Richard M. Menken, who passed away in 2018.

For more than 30 years Irene dedicated herself to education, not only teaching curriculum, but also encouraging kindness, gratitude and caring for others. Those who knew Irene say she was full of love and joy. She was gracious and always took time to say hello and visit with those she met in passing. She was kind, compassionate and cared for her friends and neighbors. She was twice recognized by the governor and presented with two crystal apples as teacher of the year.

Irene lived her faith through her good works and actions, always looking out for folks in distress. She was a member of The American Lutheran Church Circle, Altar Guild, Stewardship Committee, and sang in the church choir, and she especially enjoyed volunteering with youth activities. Irene enjoyed tending to her garden and enjoying the fruits of her labor. She was very active enjoying swimming, golfing, and supporting the Windom Eagles, Twins & Vikings.

As a proud Danish Lutheran, at Christmas she made Aebleskiver with Grandma Margret's cast iron pan from Denmark to the family's delight. She was a great supporter of her boys in their first sportswear company 'Wieners' in her basement and again with WSI.

In 2023, Irene moved to The Fountains at Hosanna and entered hospice care, a vibrant senior living community in Lakeville, Minnesota, near her son Joel's home. On March 23, 2025, Irene entered eternal rest, at the age of 92 years.

She will fondly be remembered by her sons, Mark (Tina) Wiens of Lake Elmo, and Joel Wiens of Lakeville; four grandchildren, Austin Wiens, Alexandra (Scott) Borman, Kathryn Wiens and Margret Wiens; brother-in-law, Wayne Jensen of Windom; and other relatives and dear friends.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband; two infant daughters; parents, John and Violet Anderson; brothers, Ray (Lorraine) Anderson, Roger (Mary) Anderson and John Jr. (Gloria) Anderson; sister, Virginia Jensen; parents-in-law, Jacob and Ernstina (Pankratz) Wiens. In lieu of sending flowers please consider a donation to your local hospice.

Blessed be the memory of Irene Kathryn (Anderson) Wiens. Love is the Greatest! I COR 13:13