Mpls, MN - Age 97, passed away on January 4, 2026. Irene was born to Julius & Rose Jensen on March 8, 1928 and grew up in NE Minneapolis. She attended Edison high school where she was salutatorian of the 1946 winter graduation class. She married Olaf Steffenson in 1951 and together they made their home in Anoka and had three children: James (Bonny), Ruth (Gene) & Brian (Winnie). Irene held several clerical & administrative assistant positions; however, her favorite one was being a librarian because she loved books & reading. She was an avid gardener and kept a beautiful yard with many flower beds. Irene was a delight to her parents, a trusted sister to her siblings, a devoted wife to her husband, an inspiring and nurturing mother to her children, and a caring good friend to all who made her acquaintance. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Norma, Lois, Betty, Carol, and Kathryn and brother Wesley. In addition to her children, she is survived by her sister LaDonna; many nieces and nephews; grandchildren Shannon, Adam (Meena), Paul (Danielle), Ashley (Chance), and Michelle; and great grandchildren Will, Isabelle, Warren, Cora and Annie.

A celebration of Irene's life will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Anoka on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 with visitation at 10am and service at 11am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Twin Cities Public Television, Friends of Hennepin County Library or American Cancer Society.

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