Irene Ann Tewes Duitsman was called to her heavenly HOME on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at the Ultra Care Home Plus Facility in Wichita, Ks.

A funeral service was held Thursday, April 2nd, at 10:00 am at Zion Lutheran Church in Linn. Rev. Mark Tewes officiated. Eunice Beier was the organist and Denise Tewes sang "The Lord's Prayer." Congregational hymns were “Jerusalem, O City Fair and High,” “Jesus Lives! The Victory’s Won,” “Just As I Am” and “Abide With Me.” 

Pallbearers were Dustin Wilgers, Eric Duitsman, Brandon Duitsman, Brett Duitsman, Cody Duitsman and Jason Kreutzer.  Honorary pallbearers were Erin Carter, Heather Katzenmeier, Carrie Schreiber, Jami Kreutzer and Melanie Marnach.

Burial was in the church cemetery.

Irene was born to Erich and Mabel Tewes on March 11, 1931 at the Clay County Hospital in Clay Center, Ks. Irene was made a member of God’s Kingdom by Holy Baptism on March 22, 1931. She graduated from St. John’s Lutheran Grade School in 1945 and was confirmed at St. John’s on March 25, 1945 and graduated from Linn Rural High School on May 20, 1949. Irene married the love of her life, Kenneth, on September 4, 1949. They lived on the family farm north of Linn all their married life. Their marriage was blessed with three children, James, Kathleen, and Bradley.

Irene was an active member of Dorcas at Zion Lutheran for over 50 years and was a charter member of their local LWML. She held numerous offices in both organizations. Irene also served a term as the Kansas District LWML president.

She loved making quilts for Lutheran World Relief. She was an avid quilter in her home and made many quilts for her family.

Since her narrow escape from death by being badly burned in a fire as a little child, Irene felt her calling in life would be to serve God and others and being a hospice volunteer was one of the ways she could do this.

Irene loved her role as a farm wife, a mother, grandmother and great grandmother and enjoyed seeing the accomplishments of her husband, children and grandchildren.

Survivors include her children, James (Joyce) Duitsman, Kathy (Russ) Relph, and Brad (Diane) Duitsman; her brother Larry (Myrna) Tewes; her grandchildren Eric (Stacie) Duitsman, Heather (Tony) Katzenmeier, Brett (Whitney) Duitsman, Dustin (Autumn) Wilgers, Erin Carter, Jami (Jason) Kreutzer, Melanie (Mike) Marnach, Brandon (Ashlee) Duitsman, Carrie Schreiber, and Cody (Jamie) Duitsman; her great-grandchildren Teahen Duitsman, Harper Duitsman, Kai Katzenmeier, Shay Katzenmeier, Cade Katzenmeier, Eli Duitsman, Emmy Duitsman, Noah Wilgers, Hannah Wilgers, Baylee Carter, Jordan Carter, Brody Kreutzer, Reece Kreutzer, Adam (Fran) Marnach, Madisyn Marnach, Mike Marnach, Graydon Duitsman, Coast Duitsman, Landon Schreiber, Reid Schreiber, Gabrielle Schreiber, Sophie Schreiber, Lane Duitsman, Kendall Duitsman, Jake Duitsman, Sam Duitsman; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death was her husband, Kenneth; her parents; a stillborn sister; her brothers Harvey, Wilbur, and Bob; her in-laws Lois, Helen, June, Bill, Thula Mae, Ervin, and Lola.

A memorial fund is established to The Lutheran Hour or LWML. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home, PO Box 157, Washington, KS 66968.