Irene Follman

Towner

Irene Elizabeth Follman was born on June 26, 1946 in Rugby, North Dakota. She was raised on a farm outside Towner with her parents Peter and Isabelle Burckhard and four siblings where she began caring for others at an early age and mastered the art of cooking and baking. She was a proud alumni of both Berwick Elementary school and Towner High School and remained active on the Towner all-school reunion committee. Irene’s professional career began by working at local cafe’s and a law office until she found her calling as a loan officer at FHA. Her love for her community and the people living there was evident as she excelled in her position for over 30 years, earning many well-deserved awards. Irene was a life-long resident of Towner and was very active with St. Ceclia’s Catholic church, her children’s and grandchildren’s school events, and volunteering in her community.

Irene married the love of her life Kenneth R. Follman on June 8, 1967 and together they raised two beautiful children Kenny and Jenny. Her family was her world! She loved family time and her laughter could be heard above everyone else as her joy filled the room. Irene would be singing her favorite country and gospel songs while preparing delicious family meals and watched as everyone devoured her amazing creations with pure happiness. The cooking channel was always on and if anyone suggested that something looked good from a show, she quickly printed the recipe so she could make it for them. After she retired, she and Ken took many trips together in their motorhome and camping with the four grandkids was the highlight of her summers. She was able to travel to many states through her work with FHA and fulfilled her dream to walk on the beach and have the ocean waves hit her feet when the entire family went to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic for Christmas in 2018. She loved to travel and make family memories that were re-lived often through stories and pictures. She wore the titles of wife, mom, mother-in-law, grandma and great-grandma like none other and her legacy is a family that adored her.

Irene would fill her days at home gardening and watching the wide variety of birds that would perch outside the window on the many, many bird feeders. She was always covered up with a blanket and made sure her grandkids were never cold by buying them dozens of blankets over the years. They will continue to be a symbol of grandma’s love keeping them warm! She loved having her beloved little dogs on her lap and they learned quickly who would always give them a treat. Her kindness and generosity reached everyone that encountered her.

In her last year as her cognitive abilities declined from this terrible disease, she was welcomed with open arms by Jessica Nelson at Prairieview Inn. The family will be eternally grateful to Jess and the unending love and compassion she gave Irene up until her final days.

Irene is survived by her husband Ken of 56 years; children, Kenny (Kristin) Follman of Horace ND and Jenny (Jason) Zahn of Towner ND; grandchildren, Tyler Follman, Shelby (Marshall) White, Lexi (Jake Arel) Zahn and Wyatt Zahn; great grandchildren, Maddox and Sophie White; siblings, Jerome Burckhard of Minot, Connie (Mike) Monson of Minot and Marietta (Ronnie) Carpenter of Rugby; sister-in-law, Sharon Burckhard of Fargo; many nieces, nephews; other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Isabelle Burckhard; a brother, Richard Burckhard and sister-in-law, Eloise Burckhard.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 27 at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church in Towner with burial in the church cemetery. Father Michael Schommer, Celebrant.

Visitation will be on Tuesday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a rosary and vigil prayer service beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the church in Towner.

Arrangements with the Anderson Funeral Home of Towner. Online registry: www.funeralsbyanderson.com

Published by The Minot Daily News, December 23, 2023.