y. Irene grew up in a German-American farm family that retained the traditions of their heritage. She was a supportive wife and taught her children the values of life. Irene leaves a legacy rich in family values, faith, and tradition. She always maintained a large garden, applying her special talents learned from her parents to grow abundant flowers, potatoes, tomatoes, vegetables, raspberries, and strawberries. Irene would preserve her produce and make jam and jellies as Christmas gifts for friends and family. Irene especially enjoyed spending time with family during the holidays when everyone gathered at the Bierl house. This time was special to her, and her family. Known as the most accomplished Scrabble player in the family, she was an avid daily crossword puzzle and JUMBLE solver and even influenced other family members to become involved in her passion. Irene's love of books led her to read nearly every book in the Algona Public Library. She was a member of the St. Benedict Catholic Church, the Ladies Guild, and the Catholic Daughters of America. When she was 13 years old, Irene contracted Rheumatic Fever and was bed ridden for months, and the doctor treated her at the family farm home. After recovering from the illness the doctor felt that due to the resultant heart murmur she would probably never be strong and would die at a young age. Irene lived to be 94 years old and bore five children including twins. Survivors include sons, Russell (Dianne) of Ankeny, and Ronald of Nora Springs; daughters, Mary Grohmann (Roger) of Omaha, NE; Margaret Raemisch (Rick) of Waunakee, WI, and Yvonne Hemmer (Dave) of Sioux Falls, SD; as well as 16 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. Her surviving brother and sisters include, Paul Nieland (Connie) of Breda, Jolene Jensen of Anamosa, Charlotte Carter of Alta, and sister-in- law Della Nieland of Manson. Irene was preceded in death by her husband of fifty years, Virgil R. Bierl, her parents Bernard and Mary (Grote) Nieland, a brother Arthur, who was killed while a Japanese Prisoner of War in WWII, her sister Florence Evers and husband Bob Evers of Sac City, brothers Pat Nieland of Manson and Cyril Nieland and wife Barb of Sac City, brother-in-law Ken Carter of Alta, Bill Jensen of Anamosa and grandson Douglas Bierl (son of Russ). Irene Bierl was a wonderful mother, wife, sister, grandmother, and friend who will never be replaced in our hearts. Thankfully we hold onto the promise that "In Christ we will have eternal life."