In Memoriam ~ Irene Sowada

Irene Mary Sowada (Fautsch), 94, died peacefully at her home on February 7, 2022. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, February 14, 2022 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in St. Cloud. Rev. Tom Olson will officiate. Entombment will take place in the Assumption Cemetery Mausoleum.

Visitation will be held from 3-5 p.m. on Sunday, February 13 at the Daniel Funeral Home in St. Cloud. Visitation will continue one hour prior to Mass on Monday at the church.

Diocesan masking guidelines will be observed.

Irene was born on January 28, 1928 in Brockway Township to John and Agnes Fautsch (Fussy). She graduated from Holdingford High School in 1945 and continued her education at St. Cloud Business College before putting her skills to work at banks in Minneapolis and St. Cloud and later at Prudential Insurance. Irene was united in marriage to Wilfred Sowada on November 11, 1954 and they celebrated 60 years together, building a home filled with family, faith and love.

Irene treasured her family and was an amazing role-model and caregiver throughout her life for her children, grandchildren, parents and husband. She welcomed, listened to, encouraged and fed all visitors who entered her home. She stayed younger than her years with her “use it or lose it” enthusiasm for each day. Irene loved her home across the street from St. Paul’s church and school, where she was a dedicated member, volunteer, parent and grandparent for nearly 70 years. She was a member of Daughters of Isabella and Christian Women.

Irene is survived by her children and families John ’79 (Trude) of St. Cloud, Mark ’81 of Plymouth, Jane ’83 (Tom) Mott of Shorewood and Mary ’84 (Rick) Evenson of Chanhassen and 17 grandchildren and their spouses. She is preceded in death by Wilfred, her parents and brothers Leo and Hubert.