Irene Schultz

Aunt Irene, 100, passed away quietly early Monday morning, March 11, 2024, at Kelvindell Lodge, Kelvington SK. She leaves her sister Hazel Brown as the sole survivor of the Minky clan of eleven siblings. 

Irene was born on the family farm west of Kelvington SK, August 23, 1923, to Rudolph and Caroline (Schmidt) Minky after siblings Minnie (Albert) Grunert, Alice (Alf) Fenton, Willie, Adeline (Bob) Zeelander, Jenny Minky (Arvid Lindgren) and Hazel (Bill) Brown, followed by Harold (Doreen), Donnie (Margie) and Dorothy (Fred) Nau. Brother John died in early childhood. Irene’s family meant the world to her, visiting them regularly when she wasn’t living with them. 

The family relocated from the west of town, northeast to Treherne Centre district in 1936, breaking land and raising sheep and cattle minus fences in the early going, leaving the kids to tend, herd, chase and prevent havoc. The advent of a fence must have been liberating! Irene wasn’t always a huge fan of farm life, but she contributed her part in daily routines - she would likely say she had no choice. After attending Treherne Centre School she continued helping out at the farm until finding work at Kelvington’s Co-op store and cleaning houses for several local families. She met Oscar Schultz, from Wadena SK, when he taught at Treherne School years after her schooling, marrying him on Feb.15, 1958. 

Irene settled into being wife and homemaker as Oscar transferred to Nut Mountain then Rose Valley School, both towns providing the Schultz’s community and a teacherage to call their own. Oscar had Type 1 diabetes which presented its own challenges, and candy was always on hand for emergencies and visiting nieces and nephews. Sadly, Oscar died in 1983. Irene headed back to Kelvington, moving in with her sister Jenny, eventually living in the Kelvington Legion Villa before settling into her final home at Kelvindell Lodge. 

Her 100^th birthday was celebrated last August and though her memory was spent she observed, smiled, and enjoyed being a part of the party, as she did most gatherings. Her love of nature – look at those trees! – just look at that sky! – and her delight in car rides, especially along backroads past old farmsteads; her dedicated and valued time with kinfolk and friends; her 100 years spent close to home where Irene found comfort and faith, really, in being a part of family and the Kelvington community are testimony to the contentment and grace that comes with living a long life right here, from here. 

Irene leaves behind her sister Hazel Brown and daughter Debbie (Kevin) O’neill and family, son Bob (Carmen) Brown and family, daughter Cheryl Sewell’s sons and families; sister-in-law Margie Minky and her son Wayne’s sons and their families; her sister Dorothy’s daughters Rita (Bill) McClintock and family, Sherry Nau and family, sons Wade Nau, Michael (Deanna) Nau and family. Irene was preceded by her niece Cheryl Sewell and nephew Wayne Minky, parents, siblings, in-laws and dear friends.

Thank you so much to Kelvindell Lodge staff and medical professionals who cared for Irene, though sister Hazel says Irene never took a pill! Thank you so much to Debbie and Kevin O’neill and daughter Teghan for looking out for her and including her in family gatherings.