Irene Krystyna (Efta) Walter was born in Greenbush, Minnesota to Joseph and Victoria Efta, December 15th, 1928. She had four older brothers and one younger sister. She has two surviving siblings: Raymond Efta of Greenbush, Minnesota and Theresa Vatthauer of Red Lake Fall, Minnesota. Irene was proudly of Polish heritage and she learned the Polish language and ate Polish dishes in her home. She taught many words and phrases still spoken by her children.
Irene attended grade school in a one room schoolhouse in the country for eight years. She walked there most of the time, a good one and a half miles away. She attended high school in the small town of Greenbush. When at home, she supported her farm family doing many demanding chores. However, she never cared much for farm life. After graduating high school, she attended nursing school in Fargo, Grand Forks, and Jamestown in North Dakota. Her nursing career and passion for travel took her to many places across the United States. While working in Alaska and Florida she aided Polio patients, many in iron lungs.
In January 1954, while nursing in Tampa, Florida, she met her husband James Walter, who was serving in the United States Air Force. Their first date was going to church together. They were married May 31st, 1955 in Greenbush. After they were married, Irene moved to Kansas City, where her husband was from. Her first job was working at St. Joseph’s hospital. She worked there to support her husband while he attended and ultimately graduated from Rockhurst College. After her third child was born, she proudly became and perfected being a stay-at-home mother. Within two weeks of having her sixth child, the family moved from Raytown to Lee’s Summit, Missouri into a beautiful 7-bedroom home.
When Irene’s seventh and last child turned five, she went back to work as a Registered Nurse at John Knox Village in Lee’s Summit, in the Care Center and in Apartment Nursing. She retired after ten years of stellar service.
Irene volunteered at the Little Sisters of the Poor for several years, making beds every Wednesday, helping with craft sales and in the coffee shop. She also volunteered at Our Lady of the Presentation Catholic Church as a eucharistic minister, server for funerals, ‘holy doughnuts’ on Tuesday morning, bingo on Thursdays, mass coordinator, and as minister to the homebound. In addition, she regularly babysat for her grandchildren, whenever asked.
Irene loved flowers, friends, neighbors, travel, and casinos. She loved life in general. She will leave behind seven beautiful children: Lawrence Walter of Kansas City, MO, Ivy Eaton of Lee’s Summit, MO, Nola Fowler (Russ) of Lee’s Summit, MO, Eileen Fitzwater (Ray) of Independence, MO, Carolyn Bolon (Greg) of Kansas City, MO, Joseph Walter (Marifer) of Bates City, MO, and Valerie Mancero (Paco) of Leawood, KS. She also has twelve wonderful grandchildren: Colby VanNess, Selena Johnson, Holly Van Dierendonck, Pete Fowler, Suzy Fowler, Zachary Fitzwater, Krystyna Fitzwater, Molly Fitzwater, Sofia Mancero, Julian Mancero, Brooke Bolon, and Brett Bolon. And, she has fifteen wonderful great grandchildren: Brayden, Brielle, Brooke, Ariya, Niko, Kai, Maverick, ZJ, Gabe, Phoenix, Lily, Kinley, CJ, Kayleb, and Elijah.
Irene was and is greatly loved and admired by her family, friends, neighbors, and church family. She was extremely hardworking, practical, organized, determined, and loving to all. She was a devout Catholic and loved to say the rosary. She will be deeply missed, leaving a huge void in the hearts of many. Irene died peacefully on January 6th, 2021, with many of her children and grandchildren by her side. She had been looking forward to and is now reuniting with her husband and all those who have gone before her, to once again dance, listen to good music, and play cards.
Funeral Services will be available via livestream, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSB8k7U97bg&feature=youtu.be
During services, masks are required and social distancing will be observed per health department guidelines.
The family will be having a celebration of life gathering this coming summer. All are invited to attend. Dates and location will be determined at a later date. For any interest in attending or for any questions you may have, contact Joe Walter @ [email protected].
NOSTROVIA!
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