Irene Ellen Brooks, 91, Marion, died Aug. 18, 2008, at St. Luke Living Center.

The youngest child of Nees Louis and Cora (Penland) Olsen, Irene was born May 31, 1917, on the family farm three miles west of Marion.

She attended Morning Star School and graduated in 1935 from Marion High School.

On Oct. 18, 1941, she married Paul B. Siebert, who was at the time, serving in the U.S. Army. He later was transferred to California and Irene joined him there until he was shipped overseas.

Upon her return to Marion, she was employed at Buck’s Ready-To-Wear. Following Paul’s discharge, they moved to Amarillo, Texas, and later Paul was transferred to Iola, where he died April 27, 1953.

Irene then returned to Marion and was employed at Farmers & Drovers National Bank.

On March 3, 1955, she married Robert R. Brooks at the Methodist church in Madison. The couple had one daughter, Robyn.

Following a short illness, Bob died April 25, 1993.

Irene was a member of Valley United Methodist Church, Marion.

She was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; three brothers, Earl F., Clyde H., and John W. Olsen; and six sisters, Mabel Matz, Ida Sandwell, Edna Klassen, Florence Perry, Nellie Amick, and Gladys Fenske.

She is survived by her daughter, Robyn Brooks and husband Don Molleker, four grandchildren, Adam, Aaron, Austin, and Allison Molleker, and sister, Esther Dwyer, all of Marion; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Zeiner Funeral Home, Marion. Burial will be in Marion Cemetery.

Memorial funds have been established with Valley United Methodist Church or St. Luke Foundation.

—paid obituary