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Published January 25, 2012, 12:00 AM

Irene Thomas, 96

Irene Ann Thomas, 96, died Friday, January 13, 2012 at the Maple Grove Hospital.

Irene Ann Thomas, 96, died Friday, January 13, 2012 at the Maple Grove Hospital.

Irene was born February 2, 1915 to John and Abby (Hermes) Patrick in Belle River. She attended Belle River country school and then periodically worked as a nanny/midwife for area families. Irene worked at Miller’s Inn on Lake L’Homme Dieu as a waitress and cook. She met Jack Reuter while she worked at Miller’s Inn and they were united in marriage on June 13, 1944 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Belle River.

They purchased a resort on Lake Carlos and called it Reuter’s Resort. They had three children, David, Harold and Joann.

Jack died in 1955. Irene then married Herbert Thomas on June 16, 1958. They operated Reuter’s Resort until 1988 when they sold the resort. Herbert died in 2000. Irene continued to live on the resort property, where she resided until her death.

Irene was a hospitable woman with a gracious heart. She was always appreciative of the kindness others gave to her. Irene was an avid fisherperson and she liked to garden. The love for her family could easily be seen in her eyes as she looked upon each of them.

She is survived by her sons, David Reuter of Watertown, Harold Reuter of Farmington; daughter, Joann (Darrell) Meyer of Rogers; four grandchildren, Jeremy Meyer of St. Louis Park, Corey Meyer of St. Louis Park, Hanni (John) Pulley of Mound, and Melissa Reuter of St. Paul; four great-grandchildren, Alexandra Zencius-Meyer, Scott Long, Leah Pulley and Jackson Pulley; sisters, Mildred (Jack) Sigfrid of Dayton, Mary Ann Black of Alexandria; brother, Richard Patrick of Inver Grove Heights; nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Jack Reuter; second husband, Herbert Thomas; brothers, Bill, Clarence, Toby, Ted, Harold, Roy, Harry and Alfred.

A funeral service was held for Irene on Friday, January 20 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria. Interment was at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Casket bearers were Jeremy Meyer, Corey Meyer, Hanni Pulley, John Pulley and Melissa Reuter.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

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Mike B.
Grand Forks, ND     01/25/2012 10:05 PM

Just learned about Irene's death tonight, five days after her funeral, which makes me acutely sad. A sweet, wonderful woman; always loved to see that smile. We always talked about sharing birthdays ever since I was a boy. You were a gem, Irene, and a lovely aunt. Bless you always. -- Mike B. (nephew)

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