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Irene F. Kuenning, 104 of Syracuse, passed away on September 13, 2022, at the Syracuse Hospital. She was born on August 11, 1918, to William & Mary (Kastens) Genthe at their home northwest of Syracuse. Irene attended school at district 38 and graduated after 8th grade. She then worked for many families around the area, doing any job around the house or farm that needed to be done. On December 31, 1941, she married Melvin Kuenning at her parents house just before he left for the service. Together they worked on their farm, and later she worked for 10 years at the Syracuse Good Samaritan Center.

Irene was the oldest baptized member of Luther Memorial and she stayed active with the church all her life. This included being in the Quilting Circle, WELCA, Circle 2 and teaching Sunday School. Irene was also active in the community, being a lifelong VFW Aux. member, belonging to a Canasta Card Club, and serving as queen of Germanfest in 1997 and Grand Marshall in 2021. Irene was able to take a special trip to Hawaii for an anniversary and a trip to Vegas for her 82nd birthday with her daughters and granddaughters. She made each of her grandchildren quilts and great grandchildren baby blankets. Irene loved being with her grandchildren and attending all of their activities.

She is survived by her children Carol Wallman of Syracuse, Mary Ann (Doug) Boldt of Callaway, Gary (Ellen) Kuenning of Syracuse, Kathryn (Kevin) Johnson of Columbus, Roger (Laurie) Kuenning of Syracuse; grandchildren John (Christy) Wallman, Paul (Jennifer) Wallman, Chris (Jacque) Wallman, Amy (Robert) Jones, Todd (Shelley) Boldt, Ryan Boldt, Erin (Michael) Reiff, Ann (Jeff) Hoppe, Kay (Brian) Bates, Elizabeth (Tony) Kavan, Jennifer Brownlow, Laura (Kevan) Reeson, Brett (Rachel) Johnson, Grace Kuenning, Hope Kuenning, Luke Kuenning; 32 great grandchildren; sister Viola Sinnen; sister-in-law Arvilla Noerlinger; also many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son-in-law Rod Wallman; siblings & spouses Raymond (Phyllis) Genthe, Dorothy (Virgil) Seelhoff, Bill (Janice Lee) & (Lois) Genthe; brother-in-law Melvin Sinnen and Melvin's siblings Warren Kuenning, David Kuenning, Maynard Kuenning, Wilbur Kuenning, Harold Kuenning, Alvina Vacca, Shirley Kuenning, Erma Siemers, Myldred Dettmer and Betty Wallen.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Sept. 17 at 11 a.m. at the Luther Memorial Lutheran Church in Syracuse. The service will be livestreamed on the Luther Memorial Church, NE YouTube page. Burial will follow at the Park Hill Cemetery in Syracuse.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Sept. 16 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the funeral home, then from 6-8 p.m. with the family greeting friends at Luther Memorial.

Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.

Arrangements By: Fusselman Allen Harvey Funeral Home, Syracuse, NE

Condolences to www.fusselmanallenharvey.com