Irene L. Southwick

Irene L. Southwick, 91, of Rochester, Minnesota died Friday, July 6, 2018 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester after a brief illness. Irene Lorraine Weist was born in Nodine, Winona County, Minnesota on August 11, 1926. Her parents were Max and Ella (Rodenberg) Weist. She graduated from La Crosse High School in La Crosse, Wisconsin in 1945. Irene worked in the publications department at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester from 1946 until 1949. She married Robert Melburne Southwick on June 5, 1948 in Rochester. They operated the family dairy farm in Farmington Township, Rochester, Minnesota until they retired from farming in 1983. Irene lived on the farm until her death. She enjoyed baking, knitting, reading and crossword puzzles. The farm house was the gathering place for family and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, a brother, and a granddaughter. She is survived by her five sons, Dennis (Jean) of Rochester, Daniel (Diane) of Truman, MN, Roger (Marilyn) of Lakeside, TX, Charles (Brenda) of Afton, MN and Joseph of Rochester; five grandchildren and five great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Norman (Doris) Weist of Rochester. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 12, 2018 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home 5421 Royal Place Drive NW, Rochester, MN 55901. Visitation will be held 5:00 to 7:00 PM Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service on Thursday. Interment will follow at Grandview Memorial Gardens. To leave a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com