Irene Leske

Obituary

Irene Ida Leske was born on June 9, 1929, in Bismarck Township, Sibley County, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Paul and Mathilda (Gehrke) Trebbensee. Irene was baptized as an infant on June 30, 1929, and was later confirmed in her faith as a youth on June 13, 1943, both at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Winthrop. She received her education in Winthrop.

On October 21, 1949, Irene was united in marriage to Delford Leske at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Winthrop. After their marriage, the couple resided in Winthrop. They were blessed with one daughter, Audrey. Irene was employed as the head cook for the Winthrop school for 30 years. Irene and Delford shared 65 years of marriage before Delford passed away on August 17, 2015.

Irene was a member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Winthrop and an active member of the Ladies Guild. She was also a member of the Winthrop Senior Citizens group.

Irene enjoyed gardening until age 90, cooking, baking, playing cards, fishing, and embroidering dish towels. She cherished the time she spent with her small family. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy.

 GRANDMA'S RAINBOW CELLAR by Alissa Rath -- Entering grandma's kitchen always made your belly happy--and your soul, too.  Fresh baked buns or apple pie or some hotdish bubbling.  She always made your favorites. Grandma's faith was shown in her hands and always blessed with gratitude before eating. She always gave thanks for her health and family and for what she had--and she received her wish to go to God peacefully. 

Grandma was present with life. In this busy world that presence in the present moment always felt like a gift.

She would play games; she would take us to the drive-in on our bikes.  She showed us the garden and how to plant it. She gave me tips like "roses like banana peels and tomatoes epsom salt".  

But my most favorite place of all was grandma's rainbow cellar. She would preserve the earth's goodness in all the colors of the rainbow: yellow peaches, red beets, green pickles, and jams of all colors. 

Grandma's hands did this every year, like clockwork. She was proud to say she never bought a jar of pickles in her life!

I honor this beautiful woman for the safety and roots she gave my feet, my hands and my heart. I honor her faith and the goodness that comes with gratitude and thanking the good Lord daily. These things are rooted in me and my family's souls. 

This year my daughters and family sowed seeds in her honor. The potatoes are up and the tomatoes blessed with epsom salt. Soon the rainbow will be in our cellar, too!

Thank you grandma for these simple treasures. My arms are around you all, Delbert, mom, Brennen, and family. I live now in old grounds of our ancestors and send strength and love as we honor grandma's new place of rainbow colors for her hands to enjoy.

When she needed assistance with her daily care, Irene became a resident of Oak Hills Living Center in New Ulm and passed away there on Friday, May 20, 2022, at the age of 92 years. Blessed be her memory.

Irene is survived by her:
Daughter,        Audrey Rath of New Ulm, MN;
Grandchildren, Alissa Rath of Denmark, and Brennen Rath and his wife, Emily of Sartell, MN;
Great-Grandchildren, Owen, Grady, Brynlee, Lilja, and Rohanna Rath;
Brother, Delbert Trebbensee of Winthrop, MN;
Niece, Nancy Trebbensee;
Nephew, Duane Leske;
Other relatives and friends.

Irene was preceded in death by her Parents, Paul and Mathilda Trebbensee; Husband, Delford Leske; Son-in-law, James Rath; Sister-in-law, Verna Trebbensee.

The family of Irene Leske would like to thank the staff at Oak Hills Living Center and the Allina Hospice Team for their compassionate and loving care.