Irene H. Dishnow

On Monday, September 2, Irene Helen Dishnow (Nordstrom), age 98, peacefully drew her last breath to go and be with her Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. She was born on October 5, 1920 in the family home of Edward and Emma Nordstrom of Beechwood, MI. She was the youngest of their 11 children. Raised in Beechwood, she graduated from Iron River High School in 1938 and took post-graduate courses there as well. While working as a waitress at the Mather Inn in Ishpeming she met the chef, Paul Dishnow. Eventually a romance and marriage was ‘cooked up’ and they were married on April 3, 1944. After Paul completed his military service, they returned to Beechwood and built their first modest, one room home. In 1948 they moved to Iron Mountain where they raised their four children and she served as a waitress at the Dickinson Inn for 27 years with her husband, Chef Paul. In November of 1980, after 36 years of marriage, Paul went home to be with his Lord. Mom would say that she was definitely lonely at times, but never felt alone because she knew Christ was with her. Thank you to the many family and extended family members and friends who helped our mom live on her own up until October 2018. We’re also grateful for the competent and caring staff at Manor Care where she lived her final 11 months. Her hobbies were focused around learning as well as serving her family and church. As a member of First Lutheran Church, she was a Sunday school teacher and participated in Rebecca Circle, Prayer Chain, and Quilters. She enjoyed Bible studies, reading devotionals and Christian books, babysitting grandchildren, and being a Hospice volunteer. Although more of a serious behind the scenes servant leadership style, her competitive side would surface in a game of Scrabble! She rarely lost! She loved watching her Packers and was disappointed when they didn’t win, but when her own kids went out to compete, her last encouraging words would always be “just do your best”. She had a peaceful smile, but when her funny bone was struck, she would laugh until she cried and her nose turned red. Her instructions for her funeral service are “don’t say too much about me.“ So, that’s enough for now, but we’ll deeply miss her until we meet in heaven. Irene is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Paul, six sisters, four brothers, son Dean, daughter, Gail, sons-in-law, Willie and Bob, and 3 great grandchildren. She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Jay and Kathy Dishnow and Bruce and Diane Dishnow; 11 grandchildren: Jodi (Chris) Brueggeman, Traci Charette, Ryan (Emily) Dishnow, Frank (Lisa) Jerks, Paul (Jeanne) Jerks, Leslie (Santino) Laster, Bethany Jerks, Heather (Adam) Czap, Allison (Mark) Johnson, Mark (Holly) Dishnow, Luke (Nicole) Dishnow ; 24 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 7th, from 9:30-11:30 am at the First Lutheran Church, 1210 S Stephenson Avenue, Iron Mountain. The funeral service will follow at 11:30 am at the church. Pastor Ryan Flunker will officiate. Burial will be in Dickinson County Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be established in Irene’s memory. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Irene Dishnow online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the funeral arrangements.

Irene H. Dishnow

October 5, 1920 - September 2, 2019