Irene Sandra DeVries

About Irene

Irene Sandra DeVries,79, of Bemidji, MN died Sunday, March 13, 2022 at Colleen’s Caring Hands in Bemidji.

Irene was born February 26, 1943 in Plummer, Minnesota, the daughter of Alfred and Sylvia (Kirkvold) Erickson. She graduated from Clearbrook High School in 1961. She lived and worked in Minneapolis for 4 years before moving to Bemidji.

She married Russell “Ted” DeVries December 26, 1965 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Leonard, MN. She worked for Lutheran Brotherhood for 3 years and had several bookkeeping jobs throughout Bemidji. She was active with the Calvary Lutheran Church in Bemidji for 45+ years; altar guild, event support, food shelf, and Meals on Wheels. She enjoyed folk dancing, gardening, painting, sewing, and traveling.

Irene’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Colleen and her staff at Colleen’s Caring Hands. In addition, the staff at Touching Hearts took such wonderful care of Irene for which they are grateful. Lastly, a special thank you to friends and family for your support.

Irene is survived by her husband Russell “Ted” DeVries, son Jeffrey (Carla) DeVries, grandson Cohl (Alyssa) DeVries, grandson Ethan DeVries, daughter Jody DeVries, granddaughter Shelbi Watts, grandson Parker Watts, sister Elaine Erpelding, brother Alan (Lavon) Erickson, and sister Fran (Joe) Greenwood.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers Orlando and Edward Erickson.

Casketbearers will be Shelbi Watts, Parker Watts, Ethan DeVries, Cohl DeVries, Alyssa DeVries, and Kalei Kerby.

memorial service

Funeral Services for Irene

March 18, 2022

Calvary Lutheran Church 2508 Washington Ave SE, Bemidji, MN 56601, USA

Rev. Susan Tjornehoj will be officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the spring at the Alaska Township/ Island Lake Cemetery in Bemidji, MN.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Family Funeral Home