Irene Mercedes Thompson, 92, of Gateway Dr., Eau Claire passed away Wednesday, August 18, 2004, at Sacred Heart Hospital following a brave and courageous battle with end stage renal disease. She previously resided on Spring St., Eau Claire, for 62 years. \r\nThe former Irene Olson was born February 7, 1912 in the town of Chimney Rock, Wis., to Melvin and Caroline "Lena" (Gilbertson) Olson. She married Morris "Rusty" Thompson on June 30, 1938 in Eleva. They lived in Eau Claire where she was a homemaker, and then owned and operated Thompson's Food Market for 14 years. Irene later worked at Chippewa Valley Technical Institute as a cashier, for 18 years. She was a member of First Lutheran Church for over 65 years. \r\nAfter retiring, she baked bread and cookies, entertained family and friends, enjoyed needle work, and crocheted many afghans. Irene was the eternal optimist and always looked at the bright side of life. She had a hearty laugh and wonderful sense of humor. She was loved by all who new her and will be dearly missed. \r\nSurvivors include her two daughters, Mercedes Krogstad of Apple Valley, Minn, and Marsha Powell (Sammie) of Eau Claire; a sister, Minnie Welke of Chippewa Falls; two grandchildren, Karl Krogstad ( Rose) and Karen Hiller (Mike) both of Lakeville, Minn; three great grandchildren, Lauren and Lindsey Hiller, and Emily Krogstad all of Lakeville, Minn; three step-grandchildren, Sammie Powell, Jr. and Tracy Powell both of Eau Claire; a step-great grandson, Andreas Johnson of Eau Claire; many nieces, nephews and special friends; and four little grand doggies, Harper, Heidi, Polo and Bailey. Heidi picked grandma as her favorite person in the whole world.\r\nIrene was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Morris; five sisters and one brother.\r\nFuneral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 21, 2004 at First Lutheran Church with the Rev. Amy Odgren officiating. Burial will be in Rest Haven Cemetery in the town of Washington. Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home and one hour prior to services Saturday at the church. \r\nFamily requests memorials be directed to First Lutheran Church, 1005 Oxford Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54703, Sacred Heart Hospital Dialysis Unit, 900 W. Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54701, National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin, 280 Regency Ct. Suite 100, Brookfield, WI 53045-6165 or Meals on Wheels Dept., 721 Oxford Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54703. \r\n

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