Irene Daehnke

OCTOBER 1, 1929-SEPTEMBER 25, 2025

Our Lord has called home our dearly beloved Irene Daehnke, 95, of Morrisville, NC, to be with her lifelong spouse, Ralph Daehnke, her parents, George and Mary Wolock, of Endicott, NY, her sister Anna Maye of Johnson City, NY, and nephew Craig Maye of Myrtle Beach, SC.

Irene was born Irene Wolock in Endicott, NY, where she lived until she met the shy IBM engineer from Nebraska. Irene and Ralph married and were a devoted, loving couple to each other and all their family and friends in New York, Virginia, and North Carolina. Irene prided herself on her self-defined role as a “homemaker” and took pleasure in cooking and caring for her family. Even in her 90s, she continued to make her delicious angel-food birthday cakes with whipped cream and chocolate sauce, and the secret ingredient of love. As a mother, she taught us lessons that we can carry with us throughout our lives. Those who knew Irene described her as the sweetest and kindest person they had ever known.

Irene is survived by her daughter, Amy Krupa (Tom) of Cary, NC, her sons Kim Daehnke (Mee Son) of Anchorage, AK, and Kirk Daehnke (Janie) of Alexandria, VA, her grandson Kyle Daehnke (Rebecca) of Alexandria, VA, and her niece and goddaughter, Bonnie Maye-Schwarz (Doug) of Rochester, NY.

The family wishes to thank all the wonderful staff of Preston Pointe, where Irene was happy to call home. Additionally, the family would like to thank Anne Karanja and her team at Hands of Compassion Angels for the incredible, loving, and devoted care they provided for Irene. Anne, Margaret, Pamela, Catherine, Judy, Thyline, Winnie, Lucy, Jane, Brenda, Ruth, Elishiba, and others, are truly walking angels on Earth. Irene was loved and cared for like a member of the family. Our continued friendships with everyone will be lifelong, and we will cherish the memories we share of Irene.

A celebration of Irene’s life will take place next Spring.

Instead of flowers, donations can be made to:

Resurrection Lutheran Church

100 W. Lochmere Drive

Cary, North Carolina 27518