In Memory of Irene Elizabeth Putnam

Irene Elizabeth Putnam, age 86, of Aurelia (formerly of Cherokee and Arthur), Iowa, passed away on Friday, December 01, 2023, at the Accura Healthcare of Aurelia, Iowa.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, December 16, 2023, with a visitation held one hour prior to the service from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa. Pastor Luann Benge will officiate. Inurnment will follow in the Mount Hope Cemetery of Battle Creek, Iowa. 

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Irene Elizabeth Putnam the daughter of Thomas and Doris (Alma) Iwen, was born on the farm in rural Ida Grove, Iowa, on September 05, 1937.

She received her education and graduated from Battle Creek High School with the class of 1956. On August 23, 1956, Irene was united in marriage to Harry A. Putnam. With Harry serving his country the couple would move frequently before settling in Arthur and Holstein. After Harry’s passing, Irene relocated to Cherokee, Iowa.

Throughout her life, Irene enjoyed being a homemaker and raising her family. She loved to cook and was especially known for her delectable banana bread. In her later years she enjoyed reading magazines, watching Food Network, and feeding the birds. Irene could also be found playing Yahtzee, Bingo, and other board games with her friends. She adored flowers with her favorite being purple hydrangeas. 

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter Korray (Jerry) Rollefson of Cherokee, IA; grandchildren: Travis, Alicia, Cory, Kim, Stephanie, Patrick, and Joshua; great-grandchildren Kurtice and Reed; daughters-in-law Shari Putnam and Dorothy Putnam; brothers-in-law Ronald Riessen, Pete Wolderman, Yvonne Ewold; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. 

Irene was preceded in death her parents Thomas and Doris Iwen; husband Harry Putnam; sons Kelly Putnam and Keith Putnam; sisters Sheryll Riessen, Elaine (Jerry) Fitch, Lois Wolderman, and Inez (Bill) Biery.