On the morning of August 13, 2020, Irene peacefully passed away due to natural causes, surrounded by her three daughters and family in the home of Chuck and Jeanette Cremer, in Billings, MT.
Irene was born on July 25, 1938 in Cooperstown, ND to Martin and Bernice Turnquist. Irene and her two brothers, Alan and Terry, were raised and schooled in Cooperstown, ND. In 1955, Irene married Raymond Taylor with whom they had three children, Marcia, Jeanette and Danny. In 1961, Irene met and married Harley Bjerke. Together, they had a daughter, Toni and a son, Marty. After various family moves, they eventually settled in Miles City, MT in 1970, rejoining her brother, Alan, who had moved there previously for work. Soon after, brother, Terry, also relocated to Miles City to join the siblings.
In 1977, Irene married Oscar Maier, the owner of “Leon Park”, a local night club. With this union, Irene gained two more sons, Duane and Doug who loved her as their second mother. Irene and Oscar were happily married for 16 years until Oscar’s passing in 1993. In 2004, Irene & Ray Sallgren were wed. Ray was a retired truck driver. With this marriage, Irene welcomed another daughter, Shirley, into her family. Ray passed away of natural causes in 2013.
Irene was employed at the VA Hospital in Miles City working in the radiology department for over 25 years until her retirement in 1999. Irene and Ray were very active with the local VFW. Irene was a lifetime member having served as the president of district 4 and local secretary of the Miles City chapter and always involved with issues regarding veterans’ affairs. Irene was a tireless volunteer helping with funerals, fundraisers, preparing dinners, and anything else that was needed. She will always be remembered for her strength, tenacity, unconditional love for her family, her “fancy” for country music, the worlds-best beer batter pancakes, and a good eggnog during the holidays.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Martin and Bernice Turnquist, husbands: Raymond Taylor, Harley Bjerke, Oscar Maier, and Ray Sallgren, children: Danny Taylor and Marty Bjerke. She is survived by her brothers: Alan Turnquist (Glady), Terry Turnquist (Mickey), daughters: Marcia Goldmark (Chuck), Jeanette Cremer (Chuck), Toni Pembroke (Larry), stepsons: Duane Maier (Debbie), Doug Maier (Judy), stepdaughter: Shirley, grandchildren: Rachel Lewis (Matt), Bryan Goldmark (Karaline), Kevin Cremer (Theresa), Ryan Cremer (Holly), Corey Cremer, Christopher Taylor (Raven), Tyler Pembroke, Tanner Pembroke, Jessica Wells (Leland), David Bjerke, Dana Opp (Josh), Katie Forsgren (Josh), great-grandchildren: Everest, Campbell, Cason, Carter, Draco, Gavin, Shiloe, George, Dallas, Carter, Dylan, and her furry, best friend, Kitty.
A viewing will be held at Stevenson and Son’s Funeral Home in Miles City, MT on Tuesday, August 18, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. A funeral service will be held at Stevenson and Son’s Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 19, 2020 at 10:00 am. Interment will be at Custer County Cemetery. The family politely asks that all individuals who wish to attend please wear a facemask throughout the entirety of the service. Floral arrangements may be sent to Stevenson and Son’s Funeral Home. Donations may be made in Irene’s name to the Miles City chapter of the VFW. The family would like to give special thanks to Stillwater Hospice of Montana for all your caring and guidance throughout our time of need. You have been an absolute blessing and are so very appreciated.
Condolences to the family may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday August 18, 2020
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City , Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Wednesday August 19, 2020
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday August 18, 2020
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City , Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Wednesday August 19, 2020
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Donna Leitholt-Taylor says
So sorry to hear this. Irene you were a wonderful mother in-law. I am glad you are at peace now. Good night Irene.
Myrna & Jr Perkins says
Sincerest sympathy to all of Irene’s family. May you find comfort knowing she is at peace.
MARTHA CRANDALL says
My sympathy
Barbara Ashley says
So sorry for your loss. I enjoyed working with Irene at the VA.
Jane Shores says
Condolences to Irene’s brothers and children. Got to know her at the VA. Always enjoyed our chats. RIP
Kay Hedge says
I SHARE YOUR SADNES GREATLY. I HAVE TWO WORDS TO SAY ABOT HER “LOYAL AND UNFORGETTABLE .IN LOVING MEMORY TO MY FRIEND IRENE. LOVE AND PRAYERS TO HER FAMILY. 🙏
Cathi Peila says
Sincere sympathy for your loss. I too enjoyed working at the VA with Irene and had visited off and on through the last few years. She was a classy lady and always had kind words.
Barb Foote says
I am so very sorry for the loss of your mom and grandma. I know how loved and cherished she was. Love and prayers to your families🙏❤️
Pam Rogge says
Prayers and condolences to Irene’s family at this time and in the days ahead.
Mary Ann stoltz says
I enjoyed take care of Irene, fun, laughter also how close we got! I will cherish , the last word she said to me, Mary Ann, I Love you!
Irvin Walen says
Condolences to Irene’s children, her two brothers, and other family and friends. Irene was always very kind to her Aunt, Doris Walen, and Mom would always comment on how she enjoyed getting to visit with Irene when she called her at Assisted Living in Cooperstown..
Jim and Annalise Willson says
Terry and Alan we are sorry to hear about your sister Irene. Please know we are thinking about you for Irene’s memory
Jim and Annalise Willson
Kristine Carey says
Oh Toni, I’m so sorry to read about your mom passing. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. My sympathies go out to your entire family. If you are travelling through Bismarck, please give me a call.
Kris Brown Carey
Linda Meidinger says
To all of Irenes family we are extending our condolances. I worked with Irene for years at the VA I remember having alot of fun with her and Oscar when we were out and about at different places too.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May she rest in peace. Linda and Richard Meidinger
Patty Ward says
I admired your mother for her selfless giving to others. I met her through the VFW Auxiliary.
I am sorry for your loss.
Deb Bickel says
We are so sorry to hear of Irene’s passing. She was a good friend to all of us. She was very active with the VFW and she will be very missed. I enjoyed working with her at the Olive Hotel. Our thoughts and our prayers are with her family. God Bless. Sincerely, Randy & Deb Bickel
Cori Hanel Brubaker says
So sorry to hear of Irene’s passing. Thoughts and prayers with your families.
George and Maggie Holom says
To Irene’s family and friends, we send our prayers and sympathy for their loss. may she Rest In Peace.
Maureen Baker Ferrell says
Michael and Maureen Baker Ferrell: My My first memorories of Irene were as a little girl in Children’s Choir in the Lutheran Church in Cooperstown. She was our director and we probably in high school. I remember how pleasant she was and that we performed” This Little Light of Mine” and other sons but that stands out. I will always treasure that memory and many others throughout the years as we visited Miles City quite often as met her great family. My condolences to family and friends. She is home and reunited with other loved ones who have gone before her! RIP! 🙏Nee Nee as she called me!!❤️
Adel Beach says
Jeanette and family, can see she will be greatly missed by so many family and friends. It’s so hard to let them go. Sorry for your pain.