Irene Viola Kamrud was born October 4, 1916 in Hoff Township, Pope County, Minnesota, the daughter of Conrad and Mathilda (Monson) Maanum, Sr. She was baptized and confirmed at West Zion Lutheran Church, rural Hancock, Minnesota. Irene attended country school through the eighth grade at District #91. She assisted her family with domestic work, as well as families in the community and in Minneapolis. On September 11, 1938, Irene was married to Melvin Kamrud at the West Zion Lutheran Church by Rev. K.R. Palmer. They farmed for a few years north of Starbuck, Minnesota and later moved to Langhei Township where they continued farming and raised their children. After retiring from farming in 1962, they moved to Columbia Heights, Minnesota. She was employed by the housekeeping department for 13 years at the University of Minnesota Hospital in Minneapolis. They moved back to Benson in 1975 to assist with care-giving for her mother. Melvin passed away in 1976 after 38 years of marriage. Irene worked in food service for the Benson Elementary Schools for many years. Besides being a devoted mother and wife, Irene was faithful to her church and actively supported the 4-H activities. Her love for her Norwegian ancestry was shared through her lefse and cookie baking. She found happiness in sharing the products of her gardening, sewing and baking. Irene loved to read Norwegian immigrant stories and Bible studies. In addition to her family and friends, highlights in her life included traveling to Norway, Canada, Alaska and Mexico. Irene was called from this life on Friday, September 11, 2009 at the Minnewaska Lutheran Home in Starbuck. She attained the age of 92 years, 11 months and 7 days. Irene is remembered fondly by family members including three daughters: Carol (Keith) Naig of Clontarf, Oronah (Joseph) Wilhelmy of Beverly Hills, FL and Muriel (Michael) Hanson of Richfield; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one sister, Madelyn Danielson of Starbuck; two sisters-in-law: Jean Maanum of Benson and Franny Maanum of Benson; and other relatives and friends. Preceding her in death were her husband, Melvin; her parents, Conrad and Mathilda; one sister, Myrtice Espelien; two brothers: Randall Maanum and Junior Maanum; and two brothers-in-law: Edward Espelien and Arnold Danielson.Blessed be the memory of Irene Kamrud.