Irene Keller

   Irene Annamary (Immel) Keller, age 91, of West Fargo, North Dakota passed away on March 18, 2024 after suffering from dementia.

   Irene was born to parents George and Clementine Immel on September 24, 1932 near Heart Butte, ND. She graduated from Mandan High School in 1950. On December 27, 1951 she married August Keller, also from Mandan. They made their home together in many cities and towns across North Dakota before moving to Plano, Texas, where they lived for 32 years. Irene and Augie relocated to Sheyenne Crossings in West Fargo in 2022. 

   First and foremost, her family will remember Irene as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt. Irene was also an accomplished nurse. She graduated from Sisters of St. Joseph’s School of Nursing of North Dakota in 1970, and worked as a registered nurse at St. John’s Hospital in Fargo, as well as at Med Center One in Bismarck. She met the challenges of hospital nursing in the ER, the OR, the ICU, and on pediatric, psychiatric, and post open heart surgery floors, excelling in her chosen profession. In addition, Irene was an avid bridge player. She and Augie enjoyed hosting friends at their home and traveling — even climbing to the top of Machu Picchu at age 84.

   Irene is survived by her husband of 72 years, August Keller, their 5 children: Kenneth (and Sana) Keller of Phoenix, AZ, Timothy (and Kim) Keller of West Fargo, ND, Laura (and Kim) LaFontaine of Milwaukee, WI, Thomas (and Janene) Keller of Loretto, MN, and Amy (and Mitch) Howells of Lakeville, MN, and 41 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Irene is also survived by 4 sisters: Kim Brown of Carmichael, CA, Marcene Abel of Sullivan, MO, Jean (Bill) Green of Belgrade, MT, and Carla (Mitch) Gira of Lacey, WA; and by her brother, George (Laura) Immel, of Rainier, WA.

   Irene was preceded in death by her parents, and two brothers: Ted Immel of Ennis, MT, and Steve Immel of Hatton, ND.

   If desired, memorials may be made to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in West Fargo.

Service:  Friday, March 22, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, West Fargo, ND, with visitation one hour before the service.

Interment:  Summer 2024, Mandan Veteran’s Cemetery, Mandan, ND.

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