Irene Banks

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Irene Lillian (Quam) Banks was born September 7, 1921 in Leon Township, MN, to Albert and Eva (Urevig) Quam. She died October 13, 2020 at the Augustana Health Care Center in Hastings, MN.

She spent her memorable childhood around Sogn, MN, surrounded by loving parents, grandparents, and many aunts and uncles. She was baptized, confirmed, and married at Urland Lutheran Church.

While working at the Sogn store, she met her beloved husband, Raymond Banks. They were married on May 21, 1948. They farmed in the Sogn area for a few years and in 1951, bought a farm in Dakota County, just south of Miesville. It was here that they lived and raised their family until retiring in 1986.

Irene enjoyed cooking and baking, sewing, quilting, and reading. She was a member of Cannon River Lutheran Church and MS Society.

Being the oldest child in her family, Irene enjoyed sharing her “growing up” stories with her children and her grandchildren, and also with her siblings and their children. Her memory was truly enviable. She was insightful, kind, patient, and always had a positive attitude. Anyone who knew her was truly blessed.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond; her parents, Albert and Eva Quam; and sisters, Leona Jacobson and Doris Flom.

She is survived by five children, Richard (Susan) Banks, Sharon (Alvin) Niebur, Barbara (Charles) Flynn, Rodney (Cathy) Banks, and Robert (Marlene) Banks; 14 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren; one brother, Donald (Lucille) Quam; and one sister, Elaine Elstad.

A private family service will be held at Cannon River Lutheran Church. A recording of the service will soon be available on this page.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Augustana Health Care Center in Hastings and Cannon River Lutheran Church.