Irene Olga Kleeburg

Irene Kleeburg went to Heaven on June 20, 2014 at home with her family by her side. Though her departure was too soon, she lived a long and full life. Irene was born in Ione, Washington to Ray and Minnie Barnett. She graduated from Everett High School in 1945 and then went to Seattle University where she earned her RN in nursing. After working for a few years she enlisted in the Air Force. In 1953, she was stationed in Alaska and lived on the USS Hope while working in an Eskimo village. She would often say that Alaska was her favorite place that she lived. She was later stationed in London, England where she met and married Harry Kleeburg in 1956. Harry and Irene have depicted a classic picture of soul mates, living a life of happiness together for 58 years. Their relationship built on love and respect has acted as a lighthouse for their entire family. A year after marrying, they returned to the US and lived in Iowa, California, Minnesota, Texas and finally back to California where they settled in Camarillo with their six children. They resided in Camarillo until 2005 when they moved to Tualatin, Oregon. They have been residence of Tualatin since that time. Irene’s interests included family, gardening, flower arranging, sewing, drawing, painting, reading and photography among others. If there was a craft, Irene could do it! Everything she put her hands to was beautiful. From creating beaded earrings for all the women in the family to nursing a plant back to health, her patience and grace shone through. She devoted most of her time to raising her children, with the patience of a saint and the smile of an angel. After all Irene could often be heard saying, “The most important thing you put on in the morning is a smile.” Irene is survived by her husband, Harry Kleeburg, four sons, two daughters and their spouses, twelve grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Anyone who knew Irene knows that she gave the best hugs and made the best cookies. Even though Irene was short in stature, she regularly reminded people that “Good things come in small packages.” Enough can’t be written to describe how wonderful this woman was. Her memory will forever live in the hearts of those she touched and her lessons will be passed down for many generations.

Tributes

Irene Olga Kleeburg

March 21, 1928 - June 20, 2014