Irene Luella Massop

Irene Luella Wells Massop, age 86, of Mapleton, died on Monday, December 11, 2017 at Water’s Edge in Mankato. 

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 16 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Teresa Catholic Church in Mapleton with Fr. Jason Kern officiating. Visitation will be Saturday from 9:00-11:30 a.m. at the church.  Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Mapleton. Olson-Tichenor Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Irene was born on March 20, 1931 to Harley and Emma (Albrecht) Wells in Pomeroy, IA.  She graduated from Pomeroy High School in 1949.  Irene graduated from Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, IA with a two year teaching degree in 1951 and then earned her Bachelor of Science from Mankato State College in 1972.  Irene taught in Gilmore City, IA, Rapid City, SD, and Waldorf-Pemberton Schools.  She loved being a teacher and many of her students considered her one of their favorite teachers.  Irene was united in marriage to Henry J. Massop in Pomeroy, IA on December 27, 1952 and they were married for 64 years. 

Irene was a thoughtful, kind woman who remembered many friends and family with hand-written letters and cards.  She enjoyed reading a good book, cooking, her dachshunds, horses, ironing, and a clean house.  Nothing gave her more pleasure than being with her husband, children, and grandchildren. 

Although she struggled with MS most of her adult life, she left a legacy to her children and grandchildren to enjoy life, be kind, treat others with respect, and stay strong in your faith.  Nana was much loved and will be remembered and truly missed. 

Irene is survived by her children, Kitty Perkins (Al) Anacortes, WA, Jackie Landsteiner (Jim) of Mapleton, MN, Kim Walser (Dick) of Minnesota Lake, MN, Shellie Landsteiner (Paul) of Mapleton, MN, and Brad Massop (Becky) of New Hope, MN; grandchildren, Marshall Perkins (Ashley), Kate Martin (Brian), Ted Landsteiner (Samantha Passer), Jay Landsteiner (Bre Steele), Clay Walser (Cassandra Gradert), Kara Walser, Cullen Walser, Merrit, Molly and Maddie Landsteiner, Jordyn, Evan, and Lauren Massop; great-grandchildren, Norah, Gabriella, and William Henry Martin, Lilly and Henry Perkins; sister, Betty Jean Kuhrt (Lee) of Pocahontas, IA.  Irene was preceded in death by her loving husband, Henry; parents; sister, Faye Stuart; and brother, Roy Wells.

A special thank you to the staff at Waters Edge and St. Croix Hospice for the care and compassion they showed our mom while she was in their care.