Irene Gereszek

Irene Gereszek, 74, passed away on February 1, 2018, at Elm Crest Manor in New Salem, ND, and is now at peace. A funeral service will be held Tuesday February 6, at 10:30 am at Faith Lutheran Church, 1402 E Ave C, Bismarck, with Rev. Jon Splichal-Larson officiating. Visitation will be Monday February 5, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, where a prayer service will begin at 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Visitation will also be held on Monday February 5, from 1:30 – 2:30 pm at Elm Crest Manor, 100 Elm Ave, New Salem, ND. Burial will be at 1:00 pm Tuesday, at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. Irene was born March 14, 1943, in Linton, ND to John and Alma Dockter. She graduated from Linton High School in 1960. Irene also graduated from Bismarck Junior College with a secretarial degree. On August 15, 1964, she married her true love, Donald Gereszek, in Linton, ND. They lived in various states throughout the country during Don’s military career in the U.S. Navy, until his retirement from service in 1977. They returned to North Dakota and made Bismarck their home, where they raised three daughters. Irene worked at MDU until her retirement. Irene loved her family, especially her grandchildren, Jesse and Madelyn. She was an excellent seamstress and could sew almost anything, even without a pattern. When her grandchildren were little she spent time sewing pajamas, blankets, and bibs. She also found great joy in sewing dresses for Madelyn and one special blanket named “lovely.” She loved to spend time with her family, baking (apple pie was her specialty), and especially shopping for anything sparkly. Holidays were filled with baking and homemade gifts, made with love. Irene is survived by her three daughters, Natalie (Tracy) Wetzel, Bismarck, Rachel (Andy) Leier, Shakopee, MN, and Tricia (Kent) Fischer, Bismarck; her grandchildren, Jesse (Haylie Rants) Wetzel, Bismarck, and Madelyn Leier, Shakopee, MN; her brother, Leo (Delores) Dockter, Bismarck; her sister, Evelyn (Jerome) Kelsch, along with numerous nieces and nephews and special friends, Krystal Salter and Allie Hanson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, her parents, John and Alma Dockter and her brother, Melvin Dockter. A special thank you to the Elm Crest staff for the loving care they showed our mom and our family.