Irene K (Hansen) Ferguson

Irene Karen Ferguson, 99, of Newton died on Friday, January 12, 2024, at Accura Healthcare of Newton. The family will greet friends with a lunch from 11:00-12:30 p.m., Saturday, June 29, 2024, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home, followed by a committal service at the Newton Union Cemetery. Memorials to Hammermollen a family historical landmark in Denmark may be left at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory.

Irene, the daughter of Hans and Bodil Marie (Andersen) Hansen, was born on March 8, 1924 in Green Mountain, Iowa She grew up in the Tama area before moving to Montezuma in the early 1930’s.  After graduating from Montezuma High School, Irene moved to California with her brother and was a part of the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) and a Riveter during WWII. She then received nursing training in South Carolina and went back to California to care for servicemen from the Pacific Ocean theater. After returning to Iowa, Irene went to Cosmetology School and was working as a beautician when she met Ronald “Jack” Ferguson.  They were married on November 26, 1948 in Newton. Irene became a stay-at-home mom and homemaker. She and Jack were avid Newton Cardinal fans, supporting their children and grandchildren in all of their activities. Irene was a talented quilter and enjoyed traveling, especially to Arizona, Colorado, Canada, and Denmark.  She also liked going to the casino, gardening, and dancing. Her very favorite treats were Mt. Dew, Dove milk chocolate, and thin vanilla oreo cookies.

Irene is survived by her children, Ronald “Jack” (Jean) Ferguson, Jr. of Newton, Karyl (Gail) Engle of West Des Moines, Karen (Chris) Bollhoefer of Monroe, and Steve (Sheryl) Ferguson of Waukee; daughter-in-law, Jeannie Ferguson of Arizona; her grandchildren, Brian (Lori) Ferguson, Kevin (Beth) Ferguson, Steven (Megan) Ferguson, Jason (Hannah) Ferguson, Brennen Ferguson, Amy (Mike) Lozano, Kelly (Jake) Boesch, Tim (Katie) Ferguson, Matt Ferguson, Tom (Theresa) Ferguson, Angela Ferguson, Andrew (Jess) Bollhoefer, Megan (Kyle) Nook, Rachel (Jarid) Purvis, Brianne (Dan) Fitzgerald, Sara Ware, Steph (Charlie) Marriott, and Niki Ferguson; 25 great-grandchildren; her siblings, Bernie Hansen of Arizona and Jimmy (Janice) Hansen of Montezuma; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jack Ferguson, Sr.; son, Dennis Ferguson; and nine siblings.

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