Irene married Joe A. Prchal, the love of her life, on November 8, 1952. She took pride in being a devoted wife & loving mother and raising her family was her greatest accomplishment. There was the traditional family pot roast on Sunday and fried chicken dinners. In addition to being fit she walked everywhere, whether it was to the grocery store, work, or home. On an occasion she might use public transportation, but she walked mostly.
Her favorite color was blue therefore anything blue, she adored. In her spare time, she worked in her garden, completed crossword games, assembled jig-saw puzzles, watched tv game shows and soaps. She anxiously waited to decorate for the holidays—she loved the holidays because it was a time to celebrate and be with family.
To stay busy, she accepted employment at the luxurious and famous Ritz Carlton Hotel in Chicago, IL and later in life she was employed by Emerald (Lancaster) Rehabilitation Center where she retired in 2002.
Irene was gifted in many ways such as sewing, knitting, and crocheting. She handmade countless scarves, hats, mittens/gloves, and potholders. Her colorful & impressive Afghans were among her most loved creations. In addition to being a grandmother and great-grandmother she was an advocate for ASPCA. She believed all animals, big or small, deserved protection from animal cruelty. Among her beloved pets were parakeets and a tortoise-shell cat named, Callie and a dog named, BeBe. Her ultimate favorite pastime was spoiling her grandchildren and great grandchildren with unlimited hugs & kisses. Even though she held our hands for just a little while, she holds our hearts forever.
In closing; and on behalf of the family of Irene L. Prchal McKenna we are proud of the things to say about how she spent her dash between those years of the date of birth and the date of death.
Family members include her daughters Evelyn Duncan and Bonnie Prchal, Lincoln; son Joseph (Sandy) Prchal, Topeka, KS; 6 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by husband, Joe A Prchal, daughter Kathy Byers, brothers George and Gordon, and sister Evelyn.
No services/cremation.