Irene Hochmayr

Irene C. Hochmayr, 92, Pequot Lakes, MN, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, July 11, 2018. A private family memorial service was held for Irene. Memorial gifts are preferred to the charity of your choice.

Irene Caroline Russell was born on June 9, 1926 in Minneapolis, daughter of Oscar and Nellie (Brown) Russell. She always said: “I had the best parents and the best childhood. In the summer I was a country girl (spent the summers out at the farm) – the rest of the year, I was a city girl." She graduated from Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis and then went to Hamline University, where she earned a BS in Nursing. She continued working as a Registered Nurse caring for others until the age of 89.

She was united in marriage with Frank Hochmayr on September 12, 1947. They were blessed with five children: Larry (Kris) Hochmayr, David Hochmayr, Susan (Roger) Mead, Peter Hochmayr and Julie (Johnny) Martin. Her children all survive along with 12 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; a brother: Jim (Marsha) Sheldon; a special niece: Lynn; other nieces; nephews; cousins; and her springer spaniel, Sadie. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister: Bernice Dutcher and her husband: Frank in May of 1996.

In 1959, Irene and Frank started Deer Forest and Storybook Land in Nisswa, which they operated until retiring in 1980. It was the first of its kind in Minnesota. They retired to Big Deep Lake; there the grandchildren spent many seasons creating beautiful memories enjoying each other’s company at the lake along with Grandma’s pancakes! Following Frank’s death, Irene moved to Pequot Lakes. Irene enjoyed gardening, baking, sewing and traveling. She was well known for telling her children and grandchildren: “Good, Better, Best; Never Let It Rest; ‘til your Good is Better; and your Better is Best.” She will be deeply missed by her family and close friends.