Irene Mae Moser

Irene Mae Moser, age 91 of Duluth, MN died peacefully on January 22nd in the presence of loved ones. Irene will be remembered as a kind and peaceful soul who loved deeply, lived gracefully, and appreciated all that life had to offer.

Irene was born on September 3rd, 1932, in New Prague, MN to parents Rudy and Hannah Hauer. She had four siblings, and the family lived in several small towns, eventually settling in Faribault, MN. Irene attended high school at Bethlehem Academy, graduating in 1949, where she was affectionately known by her many friends as “Scivie”.

 Irene earned a scholarship to attend the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota. After two years, she qualified to study medical technology at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids, IA. Upon completion of the program, she accepted a laboratory position in St. Petersburg, FL. During this time, she travelled with friends in both the US and throughout Europe before moving to Duluth to work at St. Mary’s hospital. During a visit to Faribault, Irene became reacquainted with her old high school classmate Bill Moser. The couple eventually married in 1957 and moved to Duluth where Bill pursued his career in architecture.

 First and foremost, Irene was a committed and loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Bill and Irene, through nearly 64 years of marriage, raised five children, Peter, Gretchen, Margaret, Polly and Billy in a home which was filled with family, friends, love and laughter. Irene was an active participant in her children and grandchildren’s education and loved watching their athletic, musical, and academic endeavors.

 Irene loved the Duluth community, and generously donated her time and energy to such institutions as CHUM and St. Mary’s hospital. Her faith was an important aspect of her life, and she participated and volunteered at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary. She also nourished her faith journey through courses offered by the St. Mary’s chaplaincy program. Irene cherished deep relationships with a wide network of friends. They supported, challenged, and loved one another through all aspects of their lives.

 Irene embraced the opportunities for outdoor activities afforded by northern Minnesota and Wisconsin. Winter weekends were spent cross-country or alpine skiing at Spirit Mountain or at the beloved family cabin in Lutsen (“Muhrhaus”). Summer days were filled with golf outings, picnics on the shore of Lake Superior, and swimming or kayaking at Solon Springs. Irene loved playing tennis, participating in weekly women’s groups at Longview and the Arrowhead Tennis Center and in several Senior Olympics competitions.

Irene successfully balanced her family life with the vigorous pursuit of intellectual challenge. She found great joy in the classrooms and laboratories of the University of Minnesota Duluth and completed her bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1987 and master’s degree in inorganic chemistry in 1990. In addition to her love of learning and because of her skill as a teacher, Irene was recognized as a top teacher’s assistant (TA) in the department. A professional career followed at the National Resources Research Institute and the EPA water lab in Duluth. She was known by her colleagues for her dedication and strong work ethic.

 Dedicated wife, mother and grandmother, talented scientist, avid outdoor enthusiast, and friend to many, Irene will be dearly missed.

 Irene is survived by her children, Peter (Char), Gretchen (Wells) Patten, Polly (Andrew) Robar, and Billy (Michelle); 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Bill, and daughter, Margaret.

 A special thanks to the Essentia Health Home Hospice Team for their compassionate care of Irene and the staff at Marywood for the many years of care and support.

 A celebration of Irene’s life will be on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel at the St. Scholastica Monastery, 1001 Kenwood Avenue, Duluth, MN 55811. Visitation at 10:00 am, service at 11:00 am. If so desired, memorials directed to Saint Scholastica Monastery or CHUM would be appreciated.