Irdene Arlet Manske Christianson Oldenburg

Irdene Arlet Manske Christianson Oldenburg was born November 8th, 1926. She passed away peacefully on October 14, 2016 at her daughter''s home in South Haven, Minnesota. Irdene is the daughter of Harry and Laura Manske, and step-mom, Emma Manske. Irdene graduated from Blue Earth High School and started her career as a secretary in the Blue Earth School District offices. She married Orlo Christianson in 1947 and they had 4 children. Following the death of Orlo after 50 years of marriage, Irdene married Robert Oldenburg.As a young girl, Irdene was involved in 4-H and learned many skills. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, painting, making greeting cards, genealogy, embroidery, traveling, fishing, and baking. Her fresh-baked cinnamon rolls were a favorite of many of her grand-children and children. Irdene held positions at Naeve Hospital (Albert Lea, Minnesota), Chamber of Commerce (Crossett, Arkansas), and 23 years at PCA (Production Credit Assoc.) in Blue Earth.Irdene and Orlo were founding members of a Lutheran church in Crossett, Arkansas. She has been an active lifetime member of St. Paul''s Lutheran Church.Irdene was a member and President of the local Ladies Auxiliary VFW.She enjoyed traveling and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.Irdene truly exemplified Christlike characteristics of charity for others, particularly in the health and welfare care she provided for decades to her step-mom, Emma, then Orlo, and then Bob. She is preceded in death by Harry and Laura Manske (parents), Emma Manske (step-mom), Orlo Christianson (first husband), and Robert Oldenburg (second husband).She is survived by her 4 children: John of Mankato, Minnesota; Diane (Steve) Iverson of Logan, Utah; Patricia (Dan) Fasching of South Haven, Minnesota; and Susan (Lowell) Cary of Fort Collins, Colorado; and 14 grandchildren - Kim, Nick, Kelli, Josh, Jeremy, Christian, Seth, Anna, Jon, Jessica, Kevin, Julie, Sarah, and Becky; and 34 great-grandchildren.Funeral services will be 11AM Monday, October 17, 2016 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Blue Earth, MN with Pastor Larry Griffin presiding. Viewing will be at the church at 10AM, one hour before the services. Interment will be immediately following the service at Riverside Cemetery in Blue Earth, MN. Online condolences may be left at www.pattonfh.com. In lieu of flowers, it was Irdene''s wish to have friends make donations to Hospice Care or Primary Children''s Hospital in Salt Lake City where her 5-year-old great- grandson, Henry, is undergoing chemo/radiation treatments for cancer.