Irene A. (Yerk) Lehman

When a soul leaves, the world seems different, and as of Friday, July 12, 2024, something beautiful is now missing from our world: Irene Lehman - our Rene, our Mama, our Mom, our Nana - the beautiful soul of our family.

Irene is survived by her sister and best friend, Shirley Yerk, as well her three children: Tony (Jenny), Troy, and Tracy Greenlee, and four beloved grandchildren: Nick (Amanda) Greenlee, Taylor O’banion, Conor O’banion, and Sienna Greenlee (Anthony). Her four beautiful great grandchildren included Annie, Sage, Lucy, and Penny. She was also blessed to have had Helen (d.) and Dean Rehder (d.) as her “adopted” parents, and their children as her siblings:  Karen (John) Fisher, Carol (J.R.) Griggs, Kathy Pickett, Joanne (Terry) Henderson, Jerry Wise (d.), and Dean (Linda) Rehder, and their million-and-a-half descendants, who welcomed both her and Shirley into their large and loving family.

She was born August 18, 1946, in Mishawaka where she resided for the first part of life. Early on she married David Greenlee (d), and later Erv Lehman (d).

Success for Rene was defined as providing for and being surrounded by her family. Even though she and Shirley had a difficult childhood, she persevered and built a large loving family with several extensions, all of whom are simply lost without her. Everyone who knew her will remember her welcoming nature, kindheartedness, and adorable smile that lit up the room. Her willingness to always be there for others reflected her big heart.

Cremation has taken place. Cruz Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Osceola is assisting with her arrangements.

To light a virtual candle, share a story of her life, or leave a message of comfort for her family, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above.