Iris Emma Caines

Iris Emma (Kruenegel) Caines, 91, formerly of Bloomington, Illinois, passed into the hands of the Lord on February 27, 2026, with family by her side. She was born on May 3, 1934, to Walter and Ida (Dippold) Kruenegel in rural Farina, Illinois. Iris married the love of her life, Dick (Richard) Caines, on May 23, 1954, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in St. Peter, Illinois, where Iris was also baptized and confirmed. They were married for 40 years before his passing. Dick and Iris were blessed with three children, twin sons Kerry and Terry and daughter Cheryl.

Iris was raised on the family farm in rural Farina and very proud of her farm heritage. She graduated from LaGrove High School, Farina, Illinois. Iris moved to Bloomington, Illinois, and began working at State Farm Insurance, where she met and fell in love with Dick. They shared a wonderful life together full of love and happiness.

Iris enjoyed spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends. She enjoyed many activities including reunions, gardening (roses), dancing, sewing, bridge, bingo, classic car cruises and wintering in Florida. She was very proud of her 26 years of service to State Farm as a loyal and dedicated employee and the Certified Professional Secretary designation she obtained. She became a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in 1968 and her faith in God was always very important to her.

Iris is survived by her children: Kerry (Diane) Caines, Terry (Deb) Caines, and Cheryl Anderegg; grandchildren: Adam Caines (Liz), Brandon(Shelby) Anderegg, and Jason (Coralie)Garibay; great-grandchildren: Mia Anderegg, Parker Anderegg, Hailey Garibay, and Sofia Garibay; one sister: Eunice Schaffer; special family members: Ron (Sue) Niehaus and Jerry (Cathi) Voelker; many close nieces and nephews and a host of family and friends. All of whom loved her dearly and will cherish the memories forever.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her sister, Dolores Voelker; her brothers, Richard Kruenegel and Eugene Kruenegel; and son-in-law Ed Anderegg.

The family would like to thank Dr. Joseph Liu of Normal and the staff and residents at Holly Brook Assisted Living of Washington, Illinois, for the compassionate care and friendship given to Iris.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 21, at 11am at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1617 East Emerson Street, Bloomington, Illinois. In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place through East Lawn Funeral Home. A private burial service for the family will be at Funk’s Grove Cemetery.

Memorials may be made in her memory to St. John’s Lutheran Church of Bloomington, Illinois.