ONIDA, SD –

Irene Ellen LaFurge, of Onida, South Dakota passed away peacefully at Avantara in Pierre SD on Friday, October 6, 2023 at the age of 80. A Memorial Celebration of her life will be held at 2:00pm, Friday, October 13, 2023 at Feigum Funeral Home in Pierre with interment following at the Onida Cemetery in Onida.

Irene was born on January 25, 1943 at the family farm near Onida, South Dakota to Henry and Katie (Zeuge) Becker. She attended South Summit country school in her early years and then went to Onida to attend 7th grade, 8th grade and High School finishing her education with a GED.

On October 1, 1960, Irene married the love of her life Leonard Wayne LaFurge. They were married 34 years. Irene and Leonard loved to ride motorcycles, host parties for holidays and special occasions that would include family and friends, and also playing cards. They were part of the Neighborhood Club that consisted of about 6 couples. Irene and Leonard enjoyed the company of neighbors and bonding with them. To this union, 4 children were born; Richard (Rick), Douglas (infant son died 1 day old), twins Robert (Rob) and Ronald (Ron). After the passing of Leonard in 1995, Irene was fortunate to marry again. On August 17, 1997, Irene married Lester Smith. They loved to travel, square dance and spending time with special friend, Hazel Baumberger, who was Lester’s aunt.

Irene and Leonard stayed in the Onida area for the first year of their marriage. Leonard worked for local farmers during this time. They moved to Tulare, South Dakota during the Winter of 1961 before moving back to the family farm 8 miles south of Onida in the spring of 1962. The family farm was Irene and Leonard’s pride and joy over the course of both of their lives. One of the most joyful times in Irene’s life was when the farm was paid off. Irene helped Leonard with various jobs around the farm. They had cows, pigs and chickens plus farmed the land. Irene loved her chickens and would sell the eggs. She enjoyed mowing and taking care of the family farm. Irene also worked at the local meat market in Onida. In her spare time, Irene would work on photo scrapbooks for herself and family members. She loved the history of the family and one year, visited the gravesides of her past family members. One thing Irene loved to do was travel. In her lifetime she saw Mexico, Holland, Thailand, Cambodia, Egypt (pyramids), Israel (the holy lands), Vietnam plus many states in the USA. Her travel companion was high school friend, Sharon Ripley. Irene worked at the Countryside Hospice Store in Pierre, SD from 1996 up until her health wouldn’t let her. Irene was a member of the Holy Cross Lutheran Church and Faith Lutheran Church. She loved to sing in church. In the days before her death, Irene professed her faith to her almighty God again.

Irene is survived by her children, Richard (Karen) LaFurge, Robert LaFurge and Ronald LaFurge, brother George (Donna) Becker, her grandchildren (of whom whe was very proud) Kyle, Kory (Jena), Travis and Troy, 5 great-granddaughters, a host of nieces and nephews and special family friend Bruce Zirpel. Irene was preceded in death by her parents Henry and Katie Becker, husbands Leonard LaFurge, and Lester Smith, son Douglas, sisters Evelyn Douglas, Joyce (Bob) Sheldon, Vivian Wittler, brothers Fred Becker and James (Jim) Becker, and Sister-in-law Eunice (Clancy) Thompson.

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