Irene Deeken

Irene Marie Deeken, 76, of Jefferson City, died Sunday, December 4, 2011, at St. Mary's Health Center. She was born on April 20, 1935, the daughter of the late Joseph B. and Mary Catherine Terschluse Alfermann. Irene received her education at St. Francis Borgia Schools in Washington, Mo. On September 7, 1957, she was married to James P. Struebbe, to this marriage a daughter, Jolene Marie, was born on May 15, 1960. Mr. Struebbe preceded her in death. While in Washington, she was Secretary/Treasurer for the AFL-CIO Union and later Purchasing Secretary for Washington Metal Products - SECO Co. On May 28, 1971, she was married to William John Deeken Jr. at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church in Washington, Mo., at which time she became a resident of Jefferson City, Mo. Irene was employed as a legal secretary for Attorney General John Danforth's office in 1971. She later was employed at Mutual Saving Bank for 24 years from October 2, 1972 through September 31, 1996 when she retired, serving as Assistant Vice President, IRA Administrator and Quality Control Officer of the Loan Department. After her retirement, Irene was able to spend quality time and care for her mother-in-law, Ruby Deeken. She was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church where she was active as a lector, greeter/usher, and as a member of the Ladies Auxiliary where she had served as President. Irene was General Chairman of Concessions for the Helias Mothers Club for four years. She was a member of Jefferson City Newcomers Club (1971-1972), Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce (1984-1996), Governing Body of Jefferson City Area United Way (1996), and the Jefferson City Republican Ladies Club. She also was on the Staff Leadership Board of the Missouri League of Savings Institutions (1995-1996), Cole County Extension Council (2000-2001) serving as Secretary, Jefferson City Council of Clubs serving as Vice President, and Church Women United for five years. Irene was active with the Jefferson City Lioness Club serving as President in 1996 and 2005, St. Mary's Hospital Auxiliary where she volunteered for Special Events at the hospital, Cole County Republican Club serving as Secretary in 1996, Daughters of the Isabelle, Glennon Circle 322 where she served as Chairman of the Calling Committee, and Vitae Caring Foundation. A former member of the California Country Club, she enjoyed golfing and swimming. Other hobbies included aerobics, workouts, crafts, and traveling. Irene especially enjoyed going to her grandchildren's functions and just "hanging out" with them. Irene served as Treasurer for her husband who was a Missouri State Representative 114 District. Irene and Bill enjoyed the time meeting people and the invitations to all the social functions. Survivors include: her husband, Bill Deeken, Jefferson City; three children, Jolene Struebbe (Jim Miller), Cincinnati, Ohio, Debbie (Steve) Lehman, California, Mo., Jim (Mary Beth) Deeken, California, Mo.; 10 grandchildren; and 30 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a sister, Rose Ann Hanneken; and four brothers, Eddie, Ralph, Elmer, and James Alfermann. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m., Friday, December 9, 2011, at St. Peter Catholic Church. Entombment will be in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum. Visitation will be 3:30-7 p.m. Thursday at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home with a prayer service at 3 p.m. Memorials are suggested to St. Peter Capital Improvements Fund, 216 Broadway Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101; or to St. Francis Borgia Regional High School Scholarship Fund for Alfermann family members, 1000 Borgia Drive, Washington, MO 63090. Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family may do so at www.dulletrimble.com