Irene M. Aarre

Irene M. Aarre peacefully passed away at Traditions of Preston, Minn., on September 9, 2025 at the age of 95, surrounded by her family.

She was born March 3, 1930, in Riceville, Iowa, to Charles and Mary Humpal.

Irene grew up and went to school in the Protivin, Iowa, area. She enjoyed being on the farm, dancing, bowling, playing cards, and driving around “checking the crops.” She was a long-time member of the Christ Lutheran Church of Preston. She had a quick wit and endless amounts of energy. You never knew what was going to come out of her mouth. 

At Irene’s request, she donated her body to Mayo Clinic Body Donation Program.

Irene is survived by Lorraine (Bev) Peckham of Cresco, Iowa, Marlin Bigalk of St. Augusta, Deneen (Jerod) Krohn of Whalan and Diane (Al) Marzolf of Preston; grandchildren Joy Peckham, Jeff (Colleen) Peckham, all of Cresco, Jennah (Nick) Vold and Josh Marzolf, all of Fountain, Jessica (Karter) Bradt of Preston, and Jordyn (Brent) Olson of Wausau, Wis.; and one sister, Dorothy Roffman of Harmony. She had 11 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and many friends. 

She was preceeded in death by her parents, grandson John Peckham and granddaughter Shay Peckham, one brother, Donald Humpal, Reuban Bigalk, Loren Aarre, and special friend Gordon Nagel of Granger, Iowa.

The family would like to thank Traditions and Memory Care of Preston. Thank you to the staff for their kindness and loving care. They showed Irene the most thoughtful care the past six years treating her like their own mom and grandmother. They would also like to thank St. Croix Hospice of Rochester. They treated her amazingly and were so much support to the family. And finally, the Mayo Clinic Body Donation Program for treating our mom with the utmost respect. A celebration of life is being planned at a later date when the ashes are received.