Irene E. Peake
Irene Esther Rodas Peake, 99, passed away Saturday, July 11, 2020, at Great River Care Center in McGregor.
Irene was born Oct. 10, 1920, to Fred and Edna (Winch) Rodas at the Rodas family farm near Littleport. She graduated from Littleport High School in 1939.
Irene married the love of her life, Fleet Peake, on Dec. 9, 1945, at the parsonage of Frieden’s Church of Christ in Elkader. A few days later, the newly married couple started farming on the Charlie Hakert farm in Mederville. In the spring of 1952, they moved to their current farm on Highway 128, near Garnavillo. They were blessed with two children, Elaine and Dean.
Irene always had a big garden and raised many chickens when she and Fleet were farming. Irene was an amazing baker and cook. She was known for her chocolate chip cookies and always had ice cream and cookies available for anyone who stopped by. Irene’s homemade pie was a favorite at holiday time. Family was important to Fleet and Irene and they attended all the activities that their granddaughters, Melissa and Susan, participated in. She enjoyed playing cards with family and friends, but also the game of solitaire. Most of all, she treasured spending time with her family. She had a kind soul and gentle spirit. Although Irene was quiet and reserved, she had a quick wit which could bring laughter to the entire room.
Those blessed with wonderful memories of Irene are her two children, Elaine Stocks and Dean Peake, both of Garnavillo; her two granddaughters, Melissa Stocks Stade and her husband, Scott, of Garnavillo, and Susan Stocks Noack and her husband, Craig, of Guttenberg; one great-grandson, Joshua Stade of Garnavillo; one sister-in-law, Jeanne Rodas; and many nieces, nephews and relatives.
Irene was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Fleet (2008); her son-in-law, Carson Stocks (2016); her two brothers, Elmer (Lyla) Rodas and Marvin Rodas; and an infant sister.
In lieu of flowers and all types of sympathy, the family asks that memorials be given to the charity of your choice.
Due to coronavirus concerns, there will be a private family graveside service and interment.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elkader is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left with www.graufuneralhomes.com.
