Irene Evelyn Dempsey

Irene Evelyn Dempsey, age 93, of Menahga, Minnesota, passed away on April 11, 2015 at Rose Haven. Irene was born in Menahga, Minnesota on September 5, 1921 to Oliver and Sophie Niska. She was the youngest of 5 children, and graduated from Menahga High School. Irene helped her parents operate Oliver’s Café in Menahga, and later she waitressed at Wade’s Café in Minneapolis where she served patrons, along with several actors who performed at the Orpheum Theater. Irene was united in marriage to Thomas Dempsey of Minneapolis on March 8, 1941. Together, they managed Oliver’s Café, and in 1950 they sold the restaurant and moved to their home on Spirit Lake. Irene was instrumental in starting the school lunch program in Menahga and was the head cook from 1952-1981. She was a member of the Minnesota School Food Service Association, and received an Award of Merit in 1977. As a member of First English Lutheran Church, she belonged to the Dorcas Circle, Alter Guild and was one of the quilters. Some of Irene’s hobbies included gardening, crocheting, knitting and painting. Several of her paintings are enjoyed by family and friends. She was active in the community, serving on the Green Pine Acres Nursing Home Board, and volunteering at the Menahga Museum. Irene was also a Fire Warden, a police matron and a police dispatcher for the northern part of Wadena County. Irene is survived by her daughter, Donna (Wayne) Melby of Anoka, granddaughters Melissa (Robert) Leick of Plymouth, Julie (John) Splettstoesser of St. Francis, Allison (Aaron) Boudreau of Eden Prairie, and Stephanie (Jay) Sippel of St. Francis. She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren: Lauren, Thomas, Jack, Andrew, Aiden, Ashton, Anthony and Simon. Irene had a deep love for her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Irene was preceded in death by her husband Thomas Dempsey, sister Annette McNurlin, brother Wilmar Niska, infant brothers Leslie Niska, and Ralph Niska and parents:Oliver and Sophie Niska. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, April 18, 2015 at First English Lutheran Church in Menahga with visitation two hours prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at the Menahga City Cemetery.