Irene Marie Ellebracht

Irene was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Harold and Irene Geringer. She was proud to say that she was raised in simpler times. She was the middle of three children and received the nickname “Speed” since she was always the last to understand a joke.

In 1961 she married her sweetheart, Chuck McNamara. Together they had four children: Patty (deceased at 1 day of age), Julie Ann (1965), Michael Thomas (1967) and Troy Alan (1970). Despite a very deep love for one another, Irene and Chuck divorced in 1973. Irene suddenly faced life as a single mother with 3 small children, and she did so with fierce devotion to her family and a love for life and travel. She embarked on a cross-country road trip from Illinois to Yellowstone National Park, throughout Wyoming, South Dakota and the upper MidWest.

She worked as a Home Economics teacher and at a local doctor’s office until the young family moved back to the Chicago area. Irene and her children moved in with Irene’s sister, Barbara, and her family in Plainfield. There was a total of 6 children and three adults living in the house at that time; it was crowded but many good memories were made!

In 1976, Irene married James “Jim” Ellebracht. They remained married until the time of her death. Jim had two children, Beth and Gary, from a previous marriage. The blended family moved from Illinois to Midland, Texas, then on to Colorado and then Oklahoma City. Irene frequently said that Jim had the patience of a Saint for taking on such a big responsibility. She was so proud of him for the way he raised the children and all the opportunities the family had as a result of his hard work and devotion. Jim and Irene retired to East Texas and lived there for the last 30 years.

Irene loved the travel. She and Jim took many road trips and cruises over the years. When Jim finally tired of travel, Irene would grab a friend, a child or a grandchild and take off on another adventure. Her family was blessed with many fabulous trips and memories that will last them a lifetime. When the time came that she could not find a travel companion, Irene would go off on adventures all by herself well into her seventies. Irene lived a full and blessed life; she never met a stranger and would spend hours on end talking with people she had just met on one of her trips. She loved to laugh like no other!

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Irene Geringer and her daughter Patty McNamara. She is survived by her husband, James Ellebracht; her siblings Barbara Clark and Harold Geringer; her children, Julie, Mike, Troy and Gary as well as 10 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.