Irene M. Nering, age 92, resident of Michigan, ND, died Saturday, January 23, 2010 at the Lakota Good Samaritan Center.

Irene Magdalene Gilbertson was born July 16, 1917 at Schafer, ND, the daughter of Gilbert and Katherine (Eberle) Gilbertson. She was raised on her parent's farm and was a 1935 graduate of Shaw High School, rural Watford City, ND. She then attended Minot State Teachers College and began teaching in country schools. Irene married Oluf Nering on November 1, 1941 at Petersburg, ND. Oluf was called to military service in 1941. During Oluf's absence, Irene taught at the Williams Township School. Upon Oluf's discharge from the military in 1945, Irene quit teaching and together they farmed south of Michigan . Irene was a dedicated homemaker and farm wife, raising their four daughters and working alongside Oluf. As her daughters grew up, Irene began substitute teaching in Michigan from the early 1970's to the early 1980's. She loved teaching, as well as cooking and gardening. Oluf died November 18, 2000 . Irene continued living in Michigan until she moved to the Good Samaritan Center in November of 2003. She was a member of the W.L. Cowper American Legion Post #238 Ladies Auxiliary at Michigan and was an active member of the Michigan Lutheran Church, where she was involved with the Ladies Aid and as a Sunday School teacher.

Irene will be deeply missed by her four daughters, Lurlene (Fred) Grannan of Everett, WA, Beverly ( Wayne ) Mays of West Chester, OH, Jacqueline (Barry) Gray of Petersburg, ND, and Gayle (Lyle) Gorseth of Blaisdell, ND; 8 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; and one sister, Grace ( Vernon ) Lee of Watford City, ND.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Oluf; and 2 sisters, Josephine and Ruth.

Irene's Funeral Service will be held at the Michigan Lutheran Church on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Officiating will be the Reverend Sue Mackey. Music will be provided by Jason Flom. Interment will be in the spring at the Michigan Cemetery . The casketbearers will be Fred Grannan, Wayne Mays, Barry Gray, Lyle Gorseth, Jerome Narum, and Marvin Narum. Honorary bearers will include Irene's grandchildren and friends. An Honor Guard will be accorded by the W.L. Cowper American Legion Post #238 Ladies Auxiliary of Michigan. Visitation will be held at the Aaker Funeral Home of Lakota on Wednesday, beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.