Irene Katherine Brantner

Irene Katherine Brantner, passed to be with her Lord Jesus on January 8, 2026, in Everett, WA. She was born to John and Katie Rathjen on October 30, 1933, in Yakima, WA. Irene grew up on a farm in the Deming/Mt. Baker area. She was the oldest of her siblings. She graduated in 1952 from Mt. Baker High School in Deming, WA. She was an EKG Technician in Seattle after high school. She came home to be with her mom and family after her dad died in December 1953 to help with her three siblings still at home. She then went to work at the Forestry Department in Deming, WA. She married Jesse Brantner on December 11, 1954. She and Jesse started a family; Jesse Lee Jr., Katrina Irene and Verl Angus. After her children were born, she went to college to get her teacher’s degree. She started teaching English and German at the Everett School District in 1962. Later she went back for her masters in counseling. She worked for Everett school district for about 36 years before she retired. Irene was a member of Bethany Christian Assembly. She loved Gaither’s and Bethany Hymn Sing. She enjoyed snowmobiling, snow skiing, golfing, biking and jogging. When her kids were younger, she knitted, sewed clothes and she even had sewed her own wedding dress on a treadle Singer machine.

She was the most loving, kind, generous, faithful, caring wife, mother, grandmother and great- grandmother. Above all she loved God, her family and her country. She was a devout Christian and raised her family by example of putting God first in her life. She especially loved her family and grandchildren. She was very proud of their accomplishments.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jesse, son Verl Angus and brother Richard Rathjen.

Irene is survived by her children Jesse Brantner Jr., Katrina (Robert) Perasso, brother Phillip (Reva) Rathjen, sister Barbara (Duane) Weston, sister–in–laws Trudy Rathjen, Patricia (Marvin) Betts and Carolyn Solberg. Grandchildren Katrina (Eric) Soderstrom, Robert (Darcy) Perasso, Brandon (Katie) Perasso, Justin (Kristen) Brantner, Jaclyn (Wes) Kauffman

Great grandchildren Kayla, Nolan, Carmen, Swayzie, Demi, Kennedy, Landon, Kolette, Lincoln, Kylee, Khloe, Makinlee, Cameron, Claire, and Dylan.

And many nieces, nephews and cousins.