Irene (Krause) Bednar age 98 passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 16,2026 at the Lutheran Nursing Home in Belle Plaine.

Irene Margaret Krause was born in Le Sueur Minnesota on January 14,1928 to Ernest and Mary (Morganthalar) Krause. She attended grade school at St. Anne’s Catholic School and graduated from Le Sueur High School in 1945.

Irene was united in marriage to Wallace (Wally) Bednar on October 5, 1948 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Le Sueur.

Irene and Wally made their home in New Prague and raised their three children in the home they built when they got married. Wally passed away August 25, 1999 and she continued to live in their home until her move to the Lutheran Nursing Home a few years ago.

Irene worked for a short time at Northwestern Bell Telephone and the Minnesota Valley Breeders. She spent most of her working career as a secretary at the New Prague Elementary School; a job she held for many years.

Irene enjoyed playing bridge and was a member of the same lady’s bridge club for many years. She loved to read mysteries and had a long list of favorite authors. Keeping her supplied with books to read was a challenge and she always wished her favorite authors would write new books faster. She also liked to knit and made many afghans and dish cloths.

Irene was a girl scout leader for her daughter’s troop. She wanted to carry on her tradition of being a girl scout herself and supporting others to enjoy the experience.

Irene was a member of the Queen of Peace Auxiliary and the American Legion Auxiliary throughout her life in New Prague. She enjoyed volunteering at the local hospital after her retirement.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Wally; her parents and in laws, Ernest and Mary Krause and Emil and Ida Bednar. She was also preceded in death by her brother-in-law and sister-in-law Robert and Delphine Bednar; and her siblings and their spouses, John, Fred, Robert, Lousie Shea, Frances Lawrence, Minnie Puttin, Mary Jo Thompson and her infant sister Rose.

She is survived by her three children; Gary (Judy), Carol (Dan) Brause and Daniel (Deb) as well as her grandchildren and great grandchildren; Tyler (Elly) Bednar and their children, Rudy, Winny, Griffy and Rocky; Jenna (Garrett) Domine and baby Domine expected in November; Wes (Helen) Bednar and their children J’Anna and Gabriel; Mike and Hailey Bednar and Chris Wondra.

A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date.