Irene Broker

Irene E. Broker, age 86, of Linn, passed away Tuesday, April 27, 2010, at Westphalia Hills Retirement Center. Irene was born June 5, 1923, in Ost, Kansas, a daughter to the late Dominic and Elizabeth (Steffens) Hargot. Irene moved to Linn as a small child and attended St. George School and then later graduated from Linn High School. She worked for Linn Manufacturing as well as Tweedy Foot Ware before retiring from the Department of Revenue in 1986. On October 5, 1985, Irene was united in marriage to Vincent P. Broker. He preceded her in death on March 21, 2003. She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Frank "Jr." N. Mantle. Irene was a member of St. George Catholic Church, VFW Post 4756 Ladies Auxiliary, and a member and officer in the Catholic Knights. She and her husband Vince also volunteered at the Osage County Nutrition Center and the Meals on Wheels program. Irene enjoyed playing bingo, cards, and dancing, but most importantly, she enjoyed spending time with and talking about her great-grandchildren. Irene is survived by one daughter: June and her husband Kenneth Hoffman of Linn; one step-daughter: Brenda Handy of Eugene; five grandchildren and their spouses: Kimberly and her husband Shawn Schmidt, Kelly and her husband Gary Niekamp, Lesa and her husband Boyd Brownell, Kimberly and her husband James Stalnaker, Margaret and her husband Tim Knight; as well as 10 great-grandchildren. Irene was preceded in death by one brother: Sylvester Hargot, who gave his life while serving in Europe during World War II. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. today at Morton Chapel in Linn. VFW Post 4756 Ladies Auxiliary will conduct services at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 30, 2010, at St. George Catholic Church with Fr. I.C. Medina as the Celebrant. Interment will follow in the Garden of Gethsemane Cemetery in Frankenstein. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the St. George Church or to the Osage County Nutrition Center. Arrangements are under the direction of Morton Chapel, Linn, Mo., 573-897-2214. www.mortonchapel.com