Irene Sannes

Irene Sannes, age 91, of McIntosh, MN, passed away on Tuesday (April 1st) at her home in McIntosh. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday (April 5th) at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in McIntosh with the Rev. Gordon Syverson officiating. Interment will be in St. Johns Cemetery, rural McIntosh. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church. Arrangements are with the Carlin-Hoialmen Funeral Home, serving McIntosh and messages of condolence may be sent at carlinhoialmen.com. On April 4th, 1922 Irene H. (Grambo) Sannes was born to parents Otto and Norma (Eide) Grambo in Newfolden, Minnesota. In 1932 the family moved to Winger, Minnesota. Irene was baptized and a confirmed member of Dovre Lutheran Church of Winger. Irene attended grade school in Winger and high school in McIntosh, Minnesota. She attended Bemidji State College. From 1942-1949 worked in the Treasurers Office of the Twin Cities Transit Company in Minneapolis. On June 9, 1946 Irene married Armond Sannes, her high school sweetheart. They lived in Minneapolis for five years and it was there where their son David was born in December 1949. In 1951 the family moved to McIntosh and in October 1953 their daughter Marilyn was born. Irene was a member of Our Saviors Church in McIntosh and held offices in WELCA and was active with the Martha Circle, Sunday School, and Vacation Bible School. She served as President of the American Legion Auxiliary and was a member of the VFW Auxiliary and the Lessor Homemakers Club. Irene enjoyed bowling for many years, the sewing club, Bible Study Groups, Christian Womens Brunch and other activities. Irene was proud of her spoon collection, one from every state and many from other countries, cities, and noted places. She also had a collection of Porsgrund Christmas Plates from Norway from 1968-2005. She enjoyed traveling and together with Armond visited every state in the United States (including Hawaii and Alaska) and two trips to Norway. They also took Winter trips to Phoenix, Arizona to visit their son David. Irene especially liked to cook and her favorite time was preparing meals on special occasions for Armond, her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and spoiling Janelles dogs Miley and Tinsley by sneaking them treats. She also enjoyed having coffee parties for her friends. On April 1st, 2014 Irene passed away unexpectedly in her sleep three days before her 92nd Birthday. Irene was preceded in death by her parents Otto and Norma Grambo, one brother Orin Grambo of Eau Claire, WI, one sister Polly Loken (Grambo) , brother-in-law Art Pope, and husband Armond Sannes. Irene is survived by son David Sannes of Phoenix, AZ, daughter Marilyn Graff of McIntosh, grandson Jarrid (Alicia) Graff and great grandsons Tanner and Parker of Huron, SD, granddaughter Janelle Graff of Sartell, MN, sister JoAnn Pope of Roseville, CA, sister-in-law Avis Grambo of Eau Claire, WI, and brother-in-law Don Loken of Palm Springs, CA.