Irene Marie Powers, of Shakopee, passed away the morning of Sunday, October 9, 2016 at the age of 93. Her family was by her side. A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 13, 2016 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM with Rosary at 6:30 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 833 South Marschall Road; Shakopee, MN. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 14, 2016 at 11:00 AM at the Parish of Saints Joachim and Anne – St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 535 Lewis Street; Shakopee, MN with visitation from 9:45 – 10:45 AM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation. Father Erik Lundgren will preside, and Irene will be laid to rest at Shakopee Catholic Cemetery.
Irene was born on the family farm in Chanhassen, Minnesota. The daughter of August and Anna (Stelten) Sinnen, she was the second of five children. Irene loved growing up on the family farm with her siblings, Claude, Roman, Colette and Albert. Irene attended St. Hubert’s School in Chanhassen and went to the Chaska Public High School graduating in 1941.
After graduating from high school, Irene worked as a dental assistant for three years. As a young woman, Irene met the love of her life, Joseph Powers. Irene and Joseph quickly fell in love and exchanged wedding vows on January 20, 1945. They were blessed with two wonderful sons, Joe and Greg. Irene and Joseph settled in rural Shakopee to raise their boys.
Throughout her life, Irene was always a hard worker. She spent 20 years working as a correctional counselor at the Shakopee Women’s Prison. She was also a wonderful wife, mother and homemaker. Irene was always very active in her community, and she had a passion for volunteer work. When her boys were young, Irene was a Cub Scout Leader for eight years. She also led 4-H for five years.
Irene was a member of many clubs and organizations, including: Scott County Homemakers, Scott County Historical Society, Shakopee History Society, Shakopee Senior Citizens, American Legion Auxiliary, West Area Quilters, Shakopee Quilters, Jackson Sewing Club. Irene also volunteered much of her time to the local library and hospital. She was very proud to be a volunteer at St. Francis Hospital since 1953 as well as a founding member of the St. Francis Auxiliary.
Although Irene had many hobbies and interests, her biggest passions in life were her family and faith. She was a long-time member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Rosary Society. Irene helped plan funeral luncheons as a member of the church’s funeral committee. She was also very active in St. Mark’s prayer chain. Irene served as president of St. Cecelia #543 Catholic Society of Foresters and was a former president of the West Deanery. Irene was a dedicated member of her church, and she always has a strong faith that was an inspiration to many.
Irene will be deeply missed and remembered always by her loving sons, Joe (Joyce) Powers and Greg Powers; granddaughter, Kelly Jo (Brian) Krueger; brother, Albert Sinnen; sister-in-law, Janice Sinnen; many nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and dear friends. Irene is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Powers; parents, August and Anna Sinnen; siblings, Claude (Mary Lou) Sinnen, Roman Sinnen, Colette (Richard) Hidding.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation proudly serves the Powers family.
