Irene Ann Praska O’Brien

Thursday, April 26, 2018 5:52 pm

Irene Ann Praska O’Brien, of Protivin, 87, passed away Monday, April 23, 2018, after a fully lived life. Mass of Christian Burial was at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 28, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Protivin, with Father Kyle Digmann presiding. Burial was in Holy Trinity Cemetery Protivin. Visitation was from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 27, at Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home in Protivin, and continued for one hour prior to Mass at the church. Family rosary was at 2:30 p.m. Friday, April 27, prior to the visitation. Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home in Protivin assisted the family.

She was born June 7, 1930, in Howard County, daughter of Frank and Bessie (Landa) Praska. She married Ambrose Joseph O’Brien June 25, 1951, at Holy Trinity Church in Protivin. She attended Rudolphinium High School in Protivin and graduated from Assumption High School in Cresco. In later years, she also received continuing education courses.

Irene was a loving farm wife and devoted mother to her seven children and grandchildren. She touched everyone’s life with her infectious smile and extra giving heart. In addition to farming, she was an extraordinary Czech baker specializing in Kolaches and her own Cherry Delight creation, often having write ups in newspapers. She served as Cresco Senior Citizen Meal Site manager for 19 years. She blessed many people with decorated cakes for weddings, graduations, birthdays and more, along with teaching cake decorating classes in her home to countless ladies from the community.

She was a woman of very strong faith and instilled this in her family. During the 19 years she drove to her job at the Cresco Senior Citizen Meal Site, she prayed the rosary on the way to work every day.

She was a founding member of the Domestic Executives for over 40 years. She was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary for over 60 years. She demonstrated the art of kolache-making at Protivin Czech Days for more than 20 years. She also was a talented cake decorator, having designed countless wedding, birthday, anniversary cakes, and many other special occasions. Irene was very kind-hearted and thoughtful, always remembering each family member’s birthday, anniversaries and friends, with a card.

Irene enjoyed polka dancing and was often seen with her husband, Amby, dancing the most beautiful waltzes and lively polkas. She was a social butterfly, initiating competitive 500 games.

Survivors of Irene include two sons, Mike of Clive and Dan (Kim) of Ridgeway; five daughters: Pam (Frank Rout) O’Brien of Lake Geneva, Wis.; Sheila (Dale) Rassman of Protivin; Kathy (Loren) Liddle of Tripoli; Eileen (Keith) Denner of West Des Moines; and Robyn (Stan) Sorenson of Gurnee, Ill.; 13 grandchildren: Deon Scott, Aaron Scott, Shelley Markov, Jill Grubbs, Kara Crain, Jason Rassman, Tami Bonnett, Jeff Rassman, Adam Rassman, Carrie Jo Rassman, David Liddle, Justin Liddle, and Ryan Liddle; four step-grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, six step great-grandchildren; and her brother, Lester (Ruth) Praska.
Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Amby (2008; and her parents; a sister, Georgine (Joe) Berka; and brother, Leonard (Caroline) Praska.

On behalf of Irene, her family wishes to say an extra special thank you to Accura Healthcare in Cresco for the kind care of Irene during her 6 ½ year stay.

Online condolences may be left at Hindthudekfuneralhomes.com.