Irene Anna Haas was born on August 9, 1920 to John and Rose Haas in Wilbur, Nebraska.  She was the oldest of seven children: Don, Charles, Dorothy, Betty, Shirley and Dallas.  She graduated from Hemingford High School in 1939.  She took normal training at Chadron State Teachers College.  After teaching in various rural schools, she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education in 1971.  She taught for a total of 37 1/2 years in Box Butte County.

In 1946 Irene married Algo Kargard Christensen at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Alliance on June 12th.  They lived on the family farm southwest of Hemingford where they raised Rodney and Ramona.

She was a lifelong learner and never missed an opportunity to teach her children, grandchildren, and great grandson valuable life lessons.  Irene loved having family gatherings, small and large alike.  She truly enriched the lives of those around her and made everyone feel special.

Irene belonged to the Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church in Alliance, Modern Mother’s Extension Club, Hemingford Education Association, Hemingford American Legion Auxiliary, Monday afternoon card club, and Tuesday morning bible study.

Irene is survived by her son, Rodney and Doris Christensen, and daughter Ramona and Ken Hucke; grandchildren: Kyle Christensen, Kacy Christensen, Dail and Matt Eastman, Roy Hucke, and Kody Christensen (Ashley Bunn); great grandson: Drew Soule; sister: Shirley Schultz; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Preceding Irene in death were her husband Algo, infant grandson Christian Lyle Hucke, parents John and Rose (Kovar) Haas, parents-in-law K.M. and Ellenora Christensen, brother Donald Haas (Lucille), brother Charles Haas (Alice, Nancy), sister Dorothy Stumf (Louis), sister Betty Hucke (Farren), and brother Dallas Haas.

Irene was called home on Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at Heritage Estates in Gering, NE.  A celebration of her life will be Monday, April 27 at 10:30 AM at the Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church in Alliance, NE. Immediately following the ceremony there will be a luncheon at the church. There will be a 2:00 PM graveside service at Hemingford Cemetery.  Visitation will be at the Bates-Gould Chapel on Sunday, April 26 from 1:00-6:00 PM with family present from 4:00-6:00 PM.

Special thanks to her Hemingford friends who faithfully watched after her and to the staff at Heritage Estates who provided quality, personal care in her final days.

Memorials may be given to the Hemingford Scholarship Foundation in care of Ramona Hucke at, 860 CR 67, Hemingford, NE 69348.

Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.  Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.