Irene Koehn, age 87, passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at Sanford Canton-Inwood Medical Center in Canton, South Dakota. Family will be present for visitation from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at Miller Funeral Home – Downtown Chapel (507 S. Main Ave., Sioux Falls, SD).

Irene P. Esser was born on November 27, 1937 to Matthew and Gena (Johnson) Esser in Canova, South Dakota. She grew up in Howard, South Dakota graduating from Howard High School in 1955.

Irene married Donald R. Koehn on June 1, 1958 in Howard. The couple had two children, Candy and Walter. Her family was a priority to Irene, and when Donald passed in 1963, she did all that she could to provide for her young family. She had a strong work ethic and worked a variety of jobs while also being a full-time mother.

Irene still found time to have fun as she was incredibly social in her younger years with a unique sense of humor. Consistently throughout her life Irene loved Elvis Presley, even getting the opportunity to see him in concert. She took her children on vacations to Breezy Point, Wisconsin Dells and Lake Okoboji and made memories fishing and enjoying nature. In her later years, Irene's grandchildren and great-grandchildren revived her playful energy and she adored spending time with them. Her new "vacations" were the times she was able to get out of the house and cat-sit for her family. Irene also enjoyed watching basketball and learning about current politics.

Grateful to have shared Irene's life with her are her daughter, Candy (Raymond) Koehn-Lauck of Sioux Falls, SD; her son, Walter (Kathy) Koehn of Brandon, SD; her grandchildren, McKenzie Hanson (Brandon) and Maxwell (Kendra) Koehn; her great-grandchildren, Jhett and Lofton; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Donald; her parents, Matthew and Gena Esser; and her sisters, Shirley Neises and Lavon Dornbusch.