Irene Bickler

A life well lived ended on Nov. 27, 2016. Irene Bickler passed away at home with family by her side. Like all the challenges in her life, she faced her failing health with dignity and courage.

Irene, the fourth of five children, was born to Anton Mattern and Anna Welk Mattern on Aug. 7, 1928 in Strasburg N.D. She was 5 years old when her sister and father were killed by lightening during harvest. At a very young age Irene began working to contribute to the support of her family. These experiences built her strong work ethic and gave her an appreciation for the simple things in life.

Irene married her lifetime partner, Victor Bickler in 1946. They began farming but lost their first crop to hail. It was then that they moved to Billings and together established a successful home construction business. They raised five children and had been married almost 65 years when Victor passed away.

Irene was a super mom. She sewed the kid's clothes, led scout troops, helped with 4-H projects, volunteered at church and almost daily cooked one of her great family suppers. No matter what activities her husband or children took up, she became an avid participant or enthusiastic supporter. This included bowling league, boat club, fishing, snowmobiling, cooking for the combine crews and even drag racing.

Irene worked right beside her husband when they embanked on their retirement career, raising and training Thoroughbred racehorses. Irene loved their life traveling the country racing. She valued the life long friendships formed in the racing community.

Never one to "sit around" Irene worked the past five years at Bickler Vespa until her health failed.

Her husband, son Bucky, three of her siblings, a grand daughter and a great grandson, preceded Irene in death.

She is survived by her sister Myra, her children Bonnie, Beverly, Beatrice , Bill, nine grand children, ten great grand children and her surrogate son, Akifumi Kato (Dori).

Visitation will be held at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary 10a.m.-1p.m. on Tuesday. The Funeral Mass will be 10a.m. Wednesday at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church.

Thank you to all the friends who helped in her last weeks, especially Terri McKnire.

We will miss you Mom, more than we can even imagine. Hope you and Dad are dancing the polka in heaven.