Obituary: Irene McBain

Irene McBain

New Rockford, N.D.

Irene McBain, 68, of New Rockford, N.D., passed away on Tuesday, October 5, 2021, at CHI St. Alexius Hospital, Carrington, N.D.

Funeral service was held Saturday, October 9, 2021 at First Lutheran Church, New Rockford with burial at the Viking Cemetery, rural Maddock. Pastor Amy Kippen officiated the service with special music by Heather Klocke, Kaylee Nereson and Alicia Vorland. Casket bearers were Tim Tollefson, Lawrence Anderson, Ryan Nereson, Jeremy Kruse, Connor Nereson, Kaylee Nereson, Mason McBain and Bryson McBain. Honorary bearers were all of Irene's family and close friends.

Irene Rosalie Vinnard was born on May 23, 1953 to Orville and Hazel (Simonson) Vinnard in Harvey, N.D. She was raised on a farm in Maddock. Irene was baptized and confirmed at Viking Church, rural Maddock. As a child, she loved celebrating birthdays and the Fourth of July. Irene also liked to play with her dolls, paper dolls and especially her live "dolls", her farm kittens and cats.

While working at Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd as the Activities Coordinator, she loved to entertain the residents with bowling, bingo and crafts. Irene liked spending time with her adored animals and planting flowers, especially marigolds. She enjoyed reading books and magazines, and taking trips to the Dairy Queen, fairs and demolition derbies.

Irene liked going to concerts and enjoyed listening to her favorite artists like Bobby Vee, Bryan Adams, The Beatles, The Eagles, Charlie Pride, Kenny Rogers and Elvis. She like decorating for the seasons, both indoor and outdoor. She loved celebrating and dressing up for her favorite holiday, Halloween. She would also dress up her dogs in their Halloween best. Irene was always eager for Christmas, to meticulously decorate her tree each year. She also liked treasure hunting at antique stores, thrift stores and garage sales, and gifting items to her loved ones and those in need.

Irene collected angels, dolls, roosters and several other unique items. She enjoyed driving around the countryside with Terry and looking at old farmsteads, and loved receiving flowers from Terry. He was the love of her life for more than 10 years. He was her caretaker, her life partner, best friend, and the one she wanted to spend her forever with.

Irene is survived by her children Troy McBain, Toni McBain, Nicki (Ryan) Nereson, Terah Allmaras and Brooke (Jeremy Kruse) McBain; her significant other Terry Tollefson; a brother Orson Vinnard, two sisters Valotta (Caroll) Johnson and Dorlee Vinnard, and grandchildren Mason McBain, Bryson McBain, Connor and Kaylee Nereson.

She is preceded in death by her parents Orville and Hazel Vinnard, her grandparents and many aunts and uncles.

Arrangements by Evans Funeral Home of New Rockford, N.D.