Irene E. Potter

Irene E. Potter

1918-2015

Irene E. Potter, 96, passed away Friday, July 3, 2015 at Sunny Knoll Care Centre, Rockwell City, Iowa. Funeral services were held Monday, July 6, at the United Methodist Church, Rockwell City, with Pastor Anita Bane officiating. Burial was at Rosehill Cemetery, Rockwell City. Palmer & Swank Funeral Home, Rockwell City is serving the family.

Irene is survived by her children, Rev. Lynn Potter and his wife Sally of Ruthven, Iowa; Rev. Dr. Marjean Ehlers and her husband Rev. Dr. Don Ehlers of Maryville, Missouri, and DeeAnn Thompson and her husband Dale of Rippey, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Heather, Hayley, Hubbel, Justis, Jesmin, Jacob, Julia; and 13 great-grandchildren, Cole, Mackenzie, Clint, Emma, Jayell, Brent, Emerick, Dominique, Evelyn; and Nolan, Adelyn, Cooper, and Caelyn. She was preceded in death by her husband Rev. Paul Potter; parents, Rev. Oscar and Bessie Ellen (Copeland) Schaal; and brother Lawrence Schaal.

Irene E. Potter was born September 14, 1918 at Gaylord, Kansas. She graduated from Morningside College in Sioux City. Following her education, Irene taught High School English and Music in Iowa at Terrill, Early, and Gillett Grove. On August 14, 1945 she was united in marriage to Rev. Paul P. Potter at Rock Valley. She served along with her husband, United Methodist Churches in Gillett Grove, Ocheyedan, Ruthven, West Union, Lake View – Wall Lake, Alden-Popejoy, Sioux Rapids – Rembrandt, and Grand Junction – Dana – Cooper, before moving to Rockwell City in 1973. The couple retired in Rockwell City. Rev. Paul P. Potter passed away in 1992. Irene was a member of the United Methodist Church, UMW, L.L.L., and Priscilla Club. She was also active as an organist, pianist, choir director, Sunday school teacher, and bell choir for many years.