Irene Eleanor O’Connor

Irene Eleanor O’Connor

Cedar Rapids

Irene Eleanor O’Connor, 88, of Cedar Rapids, died on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, peacefully of natural causes. Visitation: 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 4, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids. Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 5, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, by the Rev. Jon Seda. Burial: Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.

Survivors include her children, Patrick (Angie) O’Connor of Cedar Rapids, Jolene (Mark) Myers of Waukee, Janelle (Steve) Roe of Cedar Rapids and Janine (Brian) Glass of West Des Moines; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren, her sister, Cathy Boddicker; and sister-in-law, Diana Schilling.

Irene was born Aug. 27, 1934, to Joseph and Eleanor (Menke) Rueter in Salem, Iowa, and grew up on the family’s farm. She graduated from St. John’s High School in Houghton, Iowa, Class of 1952. She attended Burlington Business College and graduated in 1955. Irene married Harold Jerome “Jerry” O’Connor on July 2, 1966, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, where they were longtime members and enjoyed raising their family of four over the next 50 years.

Growing up a farm kid she loved helping her dad with the animals, more than the kitchen duties, like cooking. Her strong work ethic continued into her 20s when she moved to the Cedar Rapids area and was employed by local businesses Coe College, Kent Feed and Manpower. She enjoyed dancing and this is how she met her husband, Jerry. Irene was a dedicated mom to her own kids. She also ran a home daycare from 1970s to 2000s. She met many great families along the way. She eventually retired to spend more time with family.

In retirement, Irene enjoyed dining out and taking care of her home. She liked to stay busy and well into her 80s she’d run the riding mower or be outside raking leaves.

She had a good wit and humorous spirit that endeared her to many. She will be greatly missed. Her memory will live on in our hearts.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry; her parents; and siblings, Bill and Carl Rueter and Tina Weepie.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Meals on Wheels.

Those unable to attend are invited to watch the service via livestream. Please find the livestream link on Irene’s tribute wall and share your support and memories with her family at www.stewartbaxter.com under obituaries.