Irene Male

Irene H. Male, 88, of Two Harbors died Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at Ecumen Scenic Shores Care Center surrounded by her family.

A life-long resident of Two Harbors, she was born to Lars and Sigfrida Svee in 1926, graduating from Two Harbors High School in 1944.  She married Robert Male on September 20, 1946 and they celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary last year.  Irene held several secretarial jobs and was especially proud to work as a telephone operator for Continental Telephone Company for many years and later at Irresistible Ink.  She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many; always unselfishly thinking of and helping others.

Irene loved spending time with her family at Bassett Lake and enjoyed fishing, playing scrabble and cards, reading, and doing crossword puzzles.  She will be remembered as an excellent baker and cook.

As a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, she was active in Martha Circle, wedding, and funeral committees.  Irene was also a longtime member of the Sons of Norway.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Debbie Gustafson; and brothers, Roy and George Svee.

Irene is survived by her husband, Robert; children Daniel (Connie) of Carlton and Peggy Pruden of Duluth; sister, Sonja Soderstrom; seven beloved grandchildren, Anthony and Justin Male, Bjorn and Leif Gustafson, Sean Pruden, Jody Turek, and Julie Atkinson; 9 great-grandchildren; and many other loved ones.

Her family would like to thank the Barross Cottage for Irene’s care during the time she resided there and to the caring staff at Ecumen Scenic Shores Care Center and St. Luke’s Hospice during her final days.

Visitation will be from 2:30 to 4:30 PM Sunday, January 25, 2015 at Cavallin Funeral Home and will continue from 10 AM until the 11 AM funeral service Monday, January 26, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Two Harbors.  Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Bethlehem Lutheran Church or Sons of Norway.