Irene Marie (Fritz) Tenopir was born on February 1, 1929 to Joe E. and Alvie J. (Hynek) Fritz on a farm northwest of Wilber and passed away on October 2, 2018. She attended rural school District 22 and graduated from Wilber High School with the Class of 1946. She attended Doane College in order to renew her teaching certificate. She taught at rural school District 87 for 4 years. On June 27, 1950 she married James F. Tenopir of Friend. To this union were born two children, Sharon and Dennis.

Irene and Jim lived in Crete for two years and then moved to their farm near Wilber where they lived for 30 years. In the fall of 1982 they moved into their new home in Wilber that was built by their son, Dennis. Irene worked at various places following her marriage; the Fairmont Creamery in Crete, School District 82, Wilber Bakery, Wilber Grocery and the Crete News. She also worked a census taken in 1990. Her family was her primary interest and always came first. She enjoyed gardening, her houseplants, traveling, playing cards, watching television, word search and Sudoku puzzles.

The 2004 tornado that destroyed the farm was something Irene never quite got over. Her special joy was her three grandsons and attending their sporting events and other activities.

She was a 50 year member of WFLA (ZCBJ) Lodge Libuse #70, member of Pythian Sisters and Past Chief of Parthenia Temple #9, VFW Auxiliary #4959, Area Retired Teachers Association and a life member of Wilber American Legion Auxiliary Unit #101. She taught Sunday School, served as volunteer for many years for the Saline County Immunization Clinic and the Veteran's Hospital in Lincoln. She was active with the Nebraska Czechs of Wilber organization and received the Ladies of Libuse award in 1971.

She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Birch of Lincoln, son, Dennis and wife Anne Tenopir of Wilber, three grandsons, Jake Birch, Drew Tenopir and Matt Tenopir, sisters-in-law, June Knudsen and Mary Sowers, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, Betty Spousta, Robert Vocasek and Norman Fritz.

Funeral services will be on Saturday, October 6, 2018, 11:00 AM at Kuncl Funeral Home, Wilber, Nebraska. Visitation is on Friday from 5 – 8 PM at the funeral home. Interment at Wilber Czech Cemetery. Memorials to the family to be designated to Irene's favorite charities.