Irene Elfrieda Scherer was born on March 4, 1922, in Dover, Minnesota, the daughter of Herman and Mathilda (Ihrke) Scherer. She grew up on a farm and graduated from Dover High School in 1939. She married Edward Paul Umbreit on December 20, 1941, in Elgin, Minnesota. They made their home in Wabasha, Lake City, Bixby and later in Royal, Iowa. In 1955, they moved to Dunnell, Minnesota. Irene worked in the lumber industry, Applequist Grocery Store and later Univac in Jackson. For over forty years she managed the U-Turn Bar in Dunnell with her son, Fay, until the age of 93. She later helped her son and daughter, Curt and Nancy, in the operation of Umbreit Locker in Trimont. Irene was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Dunnell until it closed. She then joined Immanuel Lutheran Church in Dunnell where she continued to be active in quilting, ladies aid and any place there was a need. Irene was involved with many groups and activities through out her life.
She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Fay Umbreit and special friend, Londa; Curt Umbriet and Nancy Roehler and special friend, Jim Evan all of Dunnell, Minnesota; grandchildren, Tabitha (Jared) Johnson, Montana Thiesse, Kolton (Megan) Thiesse, Britten (Tori) Swanson, Dana (Tony) Timm, Jacob, Kelly, Zachary, Alisha and seven great-grandchildren and other relatives and friends.