Irene Fette, age 95 of Owatonna, Minnesota died Friday, September 19, 2025, at Kaplan Woods Care Home in Owatonna.

Irene was born on October 7th, 1929, to Sarah (Miller) and Gustav Fette. She grew up on a farm in Meriden Township, Steele County. From 1960 – 1973 Irene lived in the State Hospital in Faribault, MN. She moved to Minneapolis, MN in 1973. From 1973 to 1981 Irene lived in various nursing homes in Minneapolis and attended a day program for individuals with Cerebral Palsy. In 1981, Irene moved to Pleasant Manor Nursing Home in Faribault, MN. At that time, she started attending the Rice County DAC. On January 23rd, 1989, Irene moved to Kaplan Woods Care Home, formerly known as Rainbow Residence (and Cedardale Homes) in Owatonna, MN where she resided until her death.

While living in Owatonna, Irene worked at Cedar Valley Services where she was a dedicated employee for over 35 years. Irene loved working on many different tasks at CVS, but her favorite thing was helping in the greenhouse. She loved planting, caring for and sharing her plants with the community. She enjoyed participating in the Senior Program and looked forwards to socializing with her friends over a cup of coffee. Irene had a very strong work ethic and hated to miss a day of work. When not at work Irene enjoyed shopping, going out to eat, and spending time with her housemates and staff at Kaplan Woods Care Home. Irene loved talking about her childhood, growing up on the farm, and enjoyed visiting farms whenever she could. She gave the best hugs and loved listening to Elvis Presley.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, and an uncle. Irene is survived by her long-time friend Myrna Peterson. Irene will be deeply missed by her friends and staff at Kaplan Woods Care Home and Cedar Valley Services.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Cedar Valley Services, 415 Grove Ave. N Owatonna, from 1:30pm to 3:00pm.

Irene was laid to rest in Deerfield (Karsten) Cemetery on September 22, 2025.