Irene Kessel

Funeral mass for Irene Kessel, 86, of Dickinson, will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, December 8, 2022 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with Father Justin Waltz celebrating. Burial will follow at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan at 3:00 p.m. CT.

Visitation will be 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 7^th at Stevenson Funeral Home with rosary and vigil held at 6:00 p.m.

Irene passed away Monday, December 5, 2022 at St. Benedict’s Health Center in Dickinson.

Irene Ann Sykora was born January 7, 1936, the daughter of Laudie and Bessie Sykora. She grew up on the family farm east of Dickinson and attended school at Versippi, later graduating from Marmarth in 1956. After graduation, Irene worked at Green Drug, KC, Eagles, and the St. Joseph Hospital. She met George Kessel and the two were married October 5, 1959 in Dickinson. Their union was blessed with 3 girls, Danita, Janet, and Renae. Irene continued to make Dickinson her home. 

Irene enjoyed flowers and doing yardwork.  You could often find her singing with her sing-along group or watching her grandkids and grandpets. Irene was a member of the Eagles Auxiliary, St. Pius, AARP, RSVP, and the American Legion Am Vets.  Irene will be remembered for her bright smile, volunteering, singing, and her jokester personality!  

Irene is survived by her daughters Danita (Jeff) Harris of Dickinson, Janet (Jim Mellmer) Wock of New England, and Renae (Marc) Kobriger of Richardton; sisters Georgie Hibl and Bernice Ballweber; sister-in-law Lorraine Sykora; 4 grandchildren Michael, Jamie, Makayla, and Jesse; and 2 great-grandchildren Hailey and Raidynn. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, George Kessel; her parents Laudie and Bessie Sykora; brother Laudie Sykora Jr.; brother-in-law Roger Ballweber; and great-granddaughter Kianna.