Irene Patzke passed away peacefully on May 29 at St. Catherine's Center with her family by her side. Visitation with the family will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, May 31, at the Bellmead Funeral Home. A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 1, at the Little River Cemetery near Jones Prairie. Irene "Warren" Patzke was born on August 27, 1920, in Rogers, Texas, to Ernest and Myrtle May Warren. She was the fourth of nine children and the only one to graduate high school. Her mother raised turkeys to save money to buy her a class ring. Irene met her future husband, Herman Patzke, while her family worked as sharecroppers on the Patzke family farm. Irene and Herman were married on Halloween in 1941. While Herman was overseas during World War II, Irene worked in a factory in California as a "Rosie the Riveter." After the war, the family made their home in Waco. Irene loved Jesus and lived her faith every day of her life. She cherished her time with her family and friends. Her life was dedicated to her kids and grandkids and she always put them first in her life, in front of herself. The entire family has great memories of her strong spirit, great sense of humor and contagious laugh. She will be missed greatly, but her family is blessed to have had her in their lives. She is preceded in death by her husband Herman Patzke. She is survived by her son Bruce Patzke, and friend Laura Rose; daughter Lanie Patzke; and son Byron Patzke, and wife Dayna; grandchildren Tamie Samford, and husband Joe; Ed Harris, and wife Michelle; Clint Willbanks, and wife Amy; Amy Moes, and husband T.J.; Steven Patzke, and wife Barbara; and Joel, Micah and Rachel Patzke; great-grandchildren Austin and Carter Patzke; Kelly and Tori Coleman; Nicholas and Alex Harris; Josh, Michael and Kassie Willbanks; and Ally and Kate Moes. She is also survived by a large extended family, including her sisters Geraldine McFerrin, and husband Jack; Imogene Dragoo; and Ernestine Ordner; and numerous nieces and nephews. Special thanks to West Rest Haven for the love and care given to Irene during the last years of her life.