Irene C. Theobald, age 96, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 8:40 p.m., on Tuesday, February 6, 2018, at Ennoble Skilled Nursing and Rehab, surrounded by her loving family. To honor Irene’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, February 10, 2018, at Holy Spirit Parish, Sacred Heart Church, 2215 Windsor Avenue, with Rev. Andrew Awotwe-Mensah officiating. To celebrate Irene’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Friday, February 9, 2018, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, where a parish scripture wake service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Entombment will be in the Resurrection Garden Mausoleum in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Irene was born on April 3, 1921, in Epworth, Iowa, daughter of Martin and Elizabeth (Urbain) Kennedy.

Irene was united in marriage to the love of her life, Sgt. John P. “Honest John” Theobald, on December 18, 1943, at St. John’s Church in Placid, Iowa. They were blessed with 70 wonderful years together, and 6 loving children, before he was called home ahead of her on May 29, 2014. Irene was completely devoted to her role of loving wife, mother and homemaker. Where family was concerned, Irene was always there to make sure everyone understood clearly that they were forever loved, cared for, appreciated and adored. Irene always maintained a perfect home-life for her family and her skills have systematically continued to trickle down through the generations whom follow her wonderful example. Irene completely embraced and lived by a very simple principle which was quite evident throughout her daily life; “Work is Love Made Visible!” Faith was also an integral part of Irene’s life and she was a long-time and prayerful member of Sacred Heart Church. Our hearts ache today with the very real sorrow of losing our sweet Irene upon the completion of her 96 year earthly journey. We are grateful for the time we had, for the love we shared, the memories she leaves behind, the work which made love visible, and the peace we surely possess in trusting that we’ll all see her and John again one day. Thank you for all you did for us Irene and may the Lord bless you and keep you safe in His loving arms until we meet again.

Those left to cherish Irene’s memory include

her children,
Richard John (Cathy) Theobald, Asbury, IA,
Ronald Edward (Kathy) Theobald, Dubuque, IA,
Randy Martin (Sue Young) Theobald, Farley, IA,
Roger Charles Theobald, Dubuque, IA,
Lynn Elizabeth (William) Meyer, Asbury, IA
and John Jacob “Jake” (David) Theobald, Dubuque, IA;

13 grandchildren;
Kris (Steve) Link, Timothy (Shamay) Theobald, Lynn (Josh) Bestold, Elizabeth (Nicholas) Champagne, Jennifer (Michael) Troxel, Irene Ryan, Janna (Miguel) Cruz, Shawntê (fiancé Marcus) White, Shannon (Rob) Fader, Tara (Justin) Dolezal, Matthew Meyer, Katelyn (Vadim Boyko) Meyer and Michael (Alicia) Meyer;

and 32 great-grandchildren.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Sgt. John P. Theobald; a grandson, Micah Theobald; and her 7 siblings, Clarence (Leona) Kennedy, Mary Kennedy, Quirin (Irene) Kennedy, Francis “Frank” (Anastasia) Kennedy, Martin (Helen) Kennedy, Elizabeth (Ralph) Kraus and Helen (John) Deckert.

An Irene C. Theobald memorial fund has been established, which will be distributed among her favorite charities.

Irene’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Ennoble Manor, and Hospice of Dubuque, for their kind, loving and compassionate care of Irene, and her family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com