Irene Walline, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away Sunday, June 21, 2026, in Sioux Falls, SD. She was 86.

Linda Irene Harvey was born on October 4, 1939, to Florence Virginia (Brugger) Harvey and Harry Franklin Harvey. She grew up on the family farm west of DeSmet, SD, and attended the rural school near her home through 8th grade. She then went to DeSmet High School, graduating in 1957. Following high school, she attended SDSU in Brookings, and in 1961, completed her degree in physical therapy at Kansas University.

On October 14, 1961, Irene married Jerry Walline, also from DeSmet. They moved to Sioux Falls, where they raised their two children. There were trips to the movies,

along with the drive-in theater,  family vacations down south during the winter, and many trips to DeSmet to visit grandparents. While raising her children, Irene worked as a physical therapist in many settings, beginning at CCHS(now Lifescape) in the 60's. She continued her work in several Good Samaritan facilities, served children in public schools, worked in the V.A. Clinic, and finally a private company providing therapy services in Sioux Falls and the surrounding areas. She retired in 2010, having provided pediatric through geriatric physical therapy services for 50 years.

Irene enjoyed cooking and baking— if you ever entered her home, you were fed, and if you weren't full when you left, it was your own fault! She was a wonderful cook. Her chicken dinners were amazing, complete with homemade pies for dessert, and they were requested often. Coconut cream pie was a specialty.

She was also well known for her cookies; chocolate chip and snickerdoodles being favorites. She would bake 8-10 dozen at a time, and package them up in Saran Wrap —"like Ft. Knox", as her grandchildren would say.  Some were delivered fresh and still warm. Others were frozen for family and friends who could not get there right away, but would not think of turning them down!! She also had an ever-present sweet tooth herself, especially when it came to donuts and chocolate!

Irene's grandchildren were very special to her, and she loved spending time with them. She attended many of their sports and concert events, and loved just hanging out with them and laughing together! She had a great sense of humor and enjoyed making others laugh.

Another favorite pastime for Irene was playing cards. From the time she was young, she was very good at card games. She recently had spent hours playing cards with her son and a special nephew into the early mornings, sharing stories and laughter with them.

Grateful for having shared her life are her daughter, Lynn (Billy) Soyland, Lake Madison, SD; son, Lane Walline, Sioux Falls, SD; grandchildren, Hailey Soyland, Nashville, TN, Keenan Soyland, White, SD, nephews Jim Harvey, Watertown, SD, and Joe Harvey, DeSmet, SD, and best friend and family friend, Jean Casey, Sioux Falls, SD. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Gordon "Buddy" Harvey, and her sister-in-law Diane Harvey.

Memorials and cards may be directed to Lynn Soyland, 6541 Hares Drive, Wentworth, SD 57075, or Jean Casey 5712 W Pebble Creek Rd, Sioux Falls, SD, 57106

At Irene's request, there will be no services.  There will be a private family burial at a later date.