Irene M. Balek, age 90, resident of Lakota, ND, formerly of Lawton, ND, died Sunday, June 19, 2011 at the Good Samaritan Center in Lakota.

Irene Marie Kvasnicka was born March 3, 1921 near Lawton, ND, the daughter of Frank and Mary (Matejcek) Kvasnicka. She was raised on her parents' farm, attended the Sauter Township School, and was baptized and confirmed at St. Catherine Catholic Church, Lomice. Irene married Frank Balek on June 26, 1940 at Lomice. They farmed in the Lawton area until retiring in 1982. Irene had been an active member of St. Catherine's and the altar society. She enjoyed gardening and playing cards. Frank died August 6, 1996 . Irene continued living on the farm until moving into Lakota.

Irene will be missed by her 3 sons, Norman (Evodia) Balek of Owatonna, MN, Eugene (Mary Ellen) Balek of Manvel, ND, and Allen (LuDelle) Balek of Gillette, WY; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; 2 brothers, Albert Karna and Frank Kvasnicka; and 4 sisters, Alice Svenby, Caroline Salaba, Adeline Dyrland, and Emma Bina.

The Funeral Mass for Irene will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church, Lakota, ND, on Friday, June 24, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be at St. Catherine Catholic Cemetery, Lomice, rural Lawton, ND. Visitation will be held at the Aaker Funeral Home of Lakota on Thursday, beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Friday, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.