Irene Ella Ohm, 89, of Elgin, died Saturday, June 6, 2020 at Samaritan Bethany in Rochester, with her daughter, Penny, by her side. Irene Ella Liebenow Ohm was born on December 24, 1930, at home in rural Elgin to Elmer Liebenow and Cornelia (Engel) Liebenow. She was baptized and confirmed at Grace United Church of Christ in Millville.  She attended school at Forest Mound Country School, Wabasha County.  After completing school, she worked as a nanny for Dr. and Mrs. Hodge in Rochester.

On September 1, 1948, Irene married the love of her life, Fred Ohm Jr. at Grace United Church of Christ in Millville.  They started farming together on their 240 acre farm near Elgin, and continued farming there for 64 years.

Irene was a farmer in her own right. She milked cows and fed pigs and beef cattle. Irene and Fred took many trips to Nebraska and North Dakota to buy hundreds of beef cattle. Irene spent many hours on their John Deere tractors tilling the fields so Fred could follow behind planting corn and soybeans. She also spent hours cultivating rows of corn to get those weeds. In her later years she enjoyed growing flowers and kept busy mowing her yard. Irene and Fred took great pride in their beautiful homestead.

Irene was the best cook ever. Her pies and scalloped potatoes were family favorites. She hosted many holiday gathering and family birthday parties. Everyone loved her food and were in awe of how easy it was for her. Irene and Fred took their children and grandchildren on many vacations to Disney World, Disneyland and Las Vegas. Her family cherishes the memories of these family times.  She was a wonderful mother, always there to take her daughters shopping, do their hair or just give advice or a kiss and hug. She was the best Grandma to four grandsons whom she adored and their feelings were mutual.

In 2012, they sold the farm to their grandson and moved to Rochester.  In 2013, Irene and Fred celebrated 65 years together at their grandchildren's wedding.  Fred passed away in April, 2014 and Irene continued living on her own until 2018 when she went to live with her daughter and son-in-law in rural Elgin. Because of poor health, Irene moved to Samaritan Bethany in March, 2019.

Irene is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Penny and Joe Bianchi of Elgin and Barb and Tom Sell of Apple Valley. Grandsons Greg (Jen) Sell of Rosemount, Jerry (Alina) Sell of Monument, Colorado, Tom (Ashley) Bianchi of Elgin and John Bianchi of Elgin. Great grandchildren Xavier, Natalie, Amelia and Camille Sell of Rosemount, Luc Sell of Monument Colorado, and Olivia Bianchi of Elgin. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred, her parents, Elmer and Cornelia Liebenow, one sister, June LeVan and three brothers, Hugh, Paul and Gene.

Irene and her family will be forever grateful for her wonderful care by the staff on the 6th floor at Samaritan Bethany and her caregivers from Seasons Hospice. All these people became family to Irene and are truly heroes and angels.

A private graveside service will be held at the Elgin Cemetery.  A Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date.