Obituary of Irene Bergeron Grahek

Irene Bergeron Grahek was granted her angels wings on October 20th 2020. She was 90 years old. Irene was born to Eugenie (Jane) and Peter Bergeron in Oklee Minnesota on August 20th 1930. Irene was the youngest of 6 six children and came into this world as a surprise! As a child she loved to roller skate with her brother Ernie. They were so good people nicknamed them Fred and Ginger! Irene attended grade school in Oklee till the 8th grade and then went to St. Joseph’s Academy in Crookston MN where she graduated 4 years later. Her college career started at St. Teresa in Winona MN as a freshman but later transferred to Bemidji State Teachers College where she received her teaching degree. One of Irene’s first teaching assignments was in Ely Minnesota with a 4th grade class. In Ely, she met and married her husband Joe (Blondie) Grahek in 1954. In those days you could not be a teacher and be married so she got a job as a reporter for the Duluth News Tribune and also wrote about the stories and events of the Ely area in the Ely Miner and Ely Echo. Her “Around the Town” column was a favorite with the local people. Irene’s next assignment was taking the job of HRA director for the senior and low income housing. She was successful at this position for 31 years retiring at the age of 70. Irene was well known and loved by many and will be missed. Irene was preceded in death by her husband Joe, son-in-law Robert Beel, her parents, brothers and sisters. She is survived by her 4 children Gayle (Robert) Beel-Centreville VA., Jim (Sue) Grahek-Plymouth MN, Julie Grahek-Minneapolis and Carol Grahek-Santa Barbara CA., and 2 granddaughters Andrea Grahek-St. Paul, and Morgan (Alex) Jagiela-Minneapolis. Due to Covid, a 2021 spring memorial service is being planned. Details will follow. Please direct any memorials for Irene to the Alzheimers Association.