Irene E. Garcia

Irene E. Garcia, age 93, of Sidney, passed away Saturday, September 21, 2024, in Sidney, NE.

A Rosary Service was held followed by a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, October 8th, 2024, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Sidney with Father Bryan Ernest officiating. Interment followed in the Greenwood Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to Siena Francis House (sienafrancis.org) serving the homeless, King's Daughters (P.O. Box 823, Sidney, NE), and St. Patrick's Catholic Church.

Irene was born in Freeport, four children. She grew up in Currie, MN and graduated from Immaculate Heart of Mary High School. Irene graduated with distinction from the School of Nursing - University of Minnesota in 1953. She married Dr. Daniel J. Garcia in El Paso, TX in April, 1955 while he was in the Army Medical Corp and she was employed as the charge nurse in El Paso at Hotel Dieu Hospital. They moved to Sidney, NE in November, 1955 when Dr. Garcia "Jim" started his podiatry practice. Irene was employed at Cheyenne County Hospital as a surgical nurse for two years.

Irene was active in her church and the community. She served as president of the Sidney Library Board when the current library was built and Book Mobile Service began. Irene co-founded and directed Birthright of the Panhandle in 1973 and provided ongoing education to high school students and church groups as to the sanctity of life and Birthright services. She and Jim coordinated the 5 year "Called to Renew Program" at St. Patrick's Church. Irene was active in King's Daughters for 33 years, including president for one term. She volunteered with Meals on Wheel for 30 years, taught religious education and led 4-H and Boy Scout groups. In addition to being a wonderful and adventuresome cook, she was an avid reader with special interest in history, especially of the Plains Indians and World War II. Leisure activities included gardening at home and at the Sidney Memorial Gardens, camping with her family, and visiting national parks and relatives. Irene and Jim had the opportunity to travel throughout North America, Europe, Russia and the Holy Land.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Anthony Engel and Elizabeth Allroggen Engel, her sisters, Genevieve and Rita and her brother, John.

So loved and cherished as a wife and mother, Irene is survived by her husband Dr. Daniel J. Garcia "Jim" and their children: Jay (wife Julie Carleen) Garcia, Ann (husband David) Hoekstra, Sally (husband Richard) Guthart, Gretchen (husband Joseph) Wagner, Paul (wife Renee) Garcia, and Jean (husband Shaun) Morris. Her 13 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren brought her much joy.

She will be remembered for her intelligence and kind nature, as well as her strength, love and devotion as a wife and mother. Her compassion and insight provided counsel to both family and friends.