"I miss you Irene you were my best neighbor and I thought the world of you, I missed you like crazy when you moved to Muscatine. I guess I can say you are my oldest friend"
In loving memory of
Irene Burns
September 2, 1919 - December 23, 2020
IRENE BURNS
MUSCATINE, Iowa - Irene Burns, 101, passed away on Wednesday, December 23rd, 2020, at Lutheran Homes Society.
There will not be a funeral service. Inurnment at a later date will be at Vale Cemetery, Harrisburg Township in Van Buren Co. The Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home will be in charge of arrangements. Online Condolences: www.wittichfuneralhome.com.
Irene was born on September 2, 1919, near Bonaparte, Iowa, the daughter of Donald H. and Clara H. Johnson Proper. She married Gerald M. (Buzzy) Burns on July 29,1937. He preceded her in death in 1989. She spent most of her life in Bonaparte until she moved to Muscatine on August 9, 2014.
Irene took an active part in her community. She had been in Eastern Star until it disbanded and P.E.O. Bonaparte Chapter AB since 1959. She was also an active member of the Bonaparte Historical Society. She was instrumental in preserving and opening the Auntie Green Hotel as a museum. She was also the site manager at Hawkeye Manor Apartments in Bonaparte for several years.
Art was always a large part of Irene's life. She was a very talented and respected artist known for her oil and watercolor paintings. She also liked to create folk art pieces and figures. In later years, her favorite thing to paint was Santas.
Irene enjoyed playing cards such as Bridge with her friends and Shanghai and Dummy Rummy with her siblings. Spending time or talking on the phone with her grandchildren was very special. Her 100th birthday celebration was a highlight to her because she was able to see her grandchildren, other family members and many friends one more time.
She is survived by her children, Linda Rempe and husband, David of Waterloo, and Gerald M. (Mickey) Burns and wife Beverly, of Arkansas; one sister, Wannabelle Mosier of Muscatine; two brothers, Donald (Carol) Proper of Canton, Illinois, and Richard Proper of Donnellson, Iowa. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren; Michael B., Cindy, Doug, Robin, Amanda, Bryan, Jeff, Jeremy, Michael R., and Alyssa; 12 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren, plus many nieces and nephews.
Irene is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Buzzy, one daughter, Carole Nickerson; two sisters, Dorothy Morgan and Virginia Troutman; and one brother, Worthy Proper.