Irene S. (Klick) Gnitka was born August 8, 1915 in Franklin Township, Minnesota; the daughter of Emil and Frances (Frach) Klick. Irene died Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at the Golden Living Center in Delano, Minnesota.

Irene received her early education at St. Peter Catholic School and graduated from Delano High School class of 1933. Irene was united in marriage to Simon “Sam” Gnitka on September 11, 1946. They were blessed with one son, Thomas Anthony who passed away at the age of six weeks.

Irene’s first priority was her church. She was a lifetime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, having taught religious education, (CCD) for 30 years. Irene was Past President of the Delano Deanery Council of Catholic Women, Member of the Altar and Rosary Society and served as President for 8 years of the St. Hedwig Society, now affiliated with St. Ann Council of St. Peter’s Church. Irene also served as a Eucharistic Minister for the home bound as well as residents of the Delano Health Care Center. She was a long time member of the American Legion Auxiliary since 1949.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband Simon, “Sam”; son Thomas Anthony; parents Emil and Frances Klick; brothers Anthony Klick and Clarence “Kelly” Klick; nephew and god-child Harvey Klick; sisters-in-law Anna Klick and Cecelia Barthel.

She is survived by her special cousins Edward and Marla Frach; nephews Richard (Betty) Klick, Dale Klick, Dwayne Klick; god-children Marvin Styrbicky, Rickard Gallus, Mark Motzko, Michael Frach and Jeanie Motzko; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 16, 2012 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Delano, Minnesota. Visitation will take place in the church for 2 hours prior to the Mass on Saturday. A rosary service will be held at 9 a.m. at the beginning of the visitation.