A. Irene Flesch Waling , age 90, of Helena, passed away June 9, 2020. Irene was born on a very cold day December 3. 1929 in Conrad, Montana to Reuben and Evelyn (Gullickson) Fladstol. The eldest of eight children she attended eight years of school in a one room school. She graduated from high school in Conrad in 1948. She boarded with her aunt and really learned to clean.
She was in nursing school and while working at the hospital in Great Falls she met the love of her life. Lyle Flesch was the owner/operator of the Capitol Cafe in Shelby. They were married March 3, 1950. This was the beginning of a true adventure in entrepreneurship! Lyle and Irene owned and operated ranches all over the state with the help of their 4 children: Bruce, Gail, Brad and Brian.
Places included: Capital Cafe (Shelby), Frontier Inn (Great Falls), Caboose (Libby), Fireside (Townsend), Red Rock Village (Miles City), Beaumont Club (Belgrade), Homesteader (Columbus). Ranches: Castle Creek, (S. of Lewistown), Morgan-Weaver (E. of Augusta), Blood Creek ( E. of Roy), Woodland Angus (Potomac), and Augusta Trading Post (Augusta).
Irene was always active in schools, the Catholic churchs, choir and playing piano. She fell in love with the organ after playing at mass in Augusta and would sometimes go over to practice in the middle of the night!
Lyle passed away December 1990. Seven years later she married Lorin Waling who lost his wife, Stephie. All four had been long time friends. Lorin had been in the First Special Forces which was also known as the Devils Brigade. He also had started Townsend Electric. Irene and Lorin were married in 1997. They traveled quite a bit.
Irene moved fifteen times, made friends everywhere and was always ready to feed more. For years Irene was active and played organ or piano at Catholic churches in the area, the pump organ at Canton church; in American Legion Auxilary, Sons of Norway, many weddings and funerals and the Senior Centers. All the kids grew up making their very own cinnamon roll and baking it in a lid.
When Irene passed a neighbor said “There goes the neighborhood!”
Irene was preceded in death by both her parents, her husbands Lyle, then Lorin, two sons Bruce and Brad Flesch, grandson Shaun Kim Nelson, a sister Lou, brothers Roy and Vern Fladstol.
Irene is survived by her daughter Gail Flesch Green (Helena)and grandson son Shane Nelson (Boise, ID); son Brian (Sheila) Flesch Jacob and Gailan; Reuben,Sameul and Timothy; Joe (Destiny) and Mia Flesch all of Townsend; granddaughter Jenny Ann (James) and Mason Owen Dodge of Missoula, MT; her sisters: Shirley Austin of Denver, Jean (Nona) Wampole of GreatFalls, Dale (Mary) Fladstol of Cascade and June (Bob) Hatleberg of Lakeside MT and numerous nieces and nephews.
Service Schedule
Viewing
11:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m.
Monday June 22, 2020
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic church
120 West Riggs
East Helena , Montana
Funeral Mass
12:00 pm
Monday June 22, 2020
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic church
120 W. Riggs
East Helena , Montana
Graveside Service
Following the Funeral Mass
Monday June 22, 2020
Montana State Veterans cemetery
Heros lane
Helena , Montana
Service Schedule
Viewing
11:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m.
Monday June 22, 2020
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic church
120 West Riggs
East Helena , Montana
Funeral Mass
12:00 pm
Monday June 22, 2020
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic church
120 W. Riggs
East Helena , Montana
Graveside Service
Following the Funeral Mass
Monday June 22, 2020
Montana State Veterans cemetery
Heros lane
Helena , Montana
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Gary and Norma Jean Walker says
Our sincerest condolences to the family for your loss. Irene was a special and beautiful lady and we will miss her very much.
Larry and JoAnn Reichert says
So Sorry to hear about Irene. thank you for letting us know.may the peace of our Lord and savior be with her and the family as well.
Mary Brydich says
I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Irene from Sts. Cyril & Methodius and the choir. She was such a beautiful and kind person.
Deanne Flaws says
Gail, I’m so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Fond memories of her in Augusta. She certainly did not have a boring life! Hugs to you, Deanne Flaws
Benjamin Clark says
Gail, I briefly had the opportunity to meet your mother at your sons funeral, She was very cordial. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I miss you very much Gail. You and yours are always in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Benjamin A. Clark.
Niel c Helfert says
I am sorry to here of Irene’s passing. She was a wonderful lady. I could spend hours listening to Lorin talking about the devil’s brigade. They will truly be missed. Niel and Ginny Helfert
Roger Van De Kop says
A wonderful lady and Aunt, you will be missed by many. I loved our visit when I came through Helena with the family. I will miss your smile and your words of wisdom.
Ken and Terri McLaughlin says
Brian and Gail, We were so sad to hear of Irene’s passing. She was a wonderful neighbor and friend. Always had a smile on her face and she grew the Best carrots.