Irene M. Dunn

Irene Marie Dunn, 92, of Mason City, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, in her home surrounded by loved ones.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Irene, born on April 7, 1931, to Henry and Anna (Siskow) Zallek, was a proud graduate of St. Joseph’s High School in Mason City. She pursued her passion for nursing, beginning her education at St. Catherine’s Nursing College in St. Paul, Minn. and St. Mary’s in Minneapolis, Minn., where she earned her degree in 1953. She began her career in Mankato, Minn. and later returned to Mason City, where she married Thomas Dunn on Oct. 12, 1957. Together, they built a family of three children. Irene began working at St. Joseph’s Mercy Hospital in 1957 and retired in June of 1996.

In her leisure, she cherished moments with family at the beach every summer. She also loved watching basketball, especially LeBron James and playing cards with her friends. Irene delighted in cooking for family gatherings, and baking chocolate chip cookies, sharing them with the neighborhood children. Her cats also had a special place in her heart. Irene was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Clear Lake.

Those left to cherish memories of Irene are her children, Steve (Kris) Dunn, of Mason City, Nancy Dunn, of Mason City, and Jim Dunn (Judy Giel), of Cave Creek, Az.; grandchildren, Sarah (Josh) Diez, Steven Dunn Jr. and Dallas Dunn; great grandchildren, Sookie Diaz, Dylan Diaz and Gavin Diaz; sister, Polly Buttram; nephews and niece, Doug (Julie) Buttram, Angela (Bob) Sendelbach, and Tim (Donna) Buttram; along with many great-nieces and nephews. Also left to cherish her memory are her three cats, Little Kitty, Daisy and Lucy.

Irene is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Dunn; her parents, Anna and Henry Zallek; and her brothers, Carl and Wally Zallek; and her son in-law, Benjamin Leonard.

Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, Mason City, was in charge of arrangements.