Martha Irene Sundberg, 94, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2017, at Annie Jeffrey Health Center.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Calvary Lutheran Church in Swede Home, with Pastor Kimberly Belken officiating. Interment will be in Swede Home Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Dubas Funeral Home in Stromsburg.

Martha Irene Forss Sundberg was born Jan. 27, 1923, to Martha (Johnson) and Adolph Forss. Irene grew up in the Clarks area and attended High Prairie School, graduating high school in 1940. She attended college at Luther Academy, now Midlands College, in Fremont for two years, where she studied teaching. She met John Harvey Sundberg and they were married Feb. 6, 1944, while Harvey was home on leave from serving in the Army during World War II.

She traveled with him to DeRidder, La., until he was sent overseas to the Philippines. She then moved back to live with her parents until Harvey returned in 1946. To their union four children were born. Upon Harvey’s discharge from the service in 1946, Irene and Harvey lived in Stromsburg until 1951. In 1951, Harvey and Irene moved to the farm south of Polk where they farmed for several years before moving to their farm north of Polk.

Irene worked with Harvey in the farming operation and raising the four children. Irene went back to college at Kearney State and attained her bachelors degree in teaching in 1970. She taught at District 62, a country school near Central City, until it closed, and also at Clarks and Polk Public Schools. During this time she returned to school to attain her librarian’s certification and served as the head librarian until she retired in 1988. She loved her books. She has many students that remember her as their favorite teacher and many that can thank her for their successes in life. Irene set a great example in her work ethic and professionalism. She could do it all. She volunteered at the Polk Public Library after retirement.

After retirement, Irene kept herself busy with crocheting and knitting, and golfing with Harvey. Their travel included trips to Texas to visit Doug and family, and Minnesota to see John. Travel to grandchildren’s activities, sports, music, ropings, etc. took much of their time and they loved it. Irene continued the Swedish traditions she grew up with in cooking and holidays. Irene lived independently and stayed in tune with life and the world as long as she lived. She could discuss sports and politics with the best of us.

Irene was a member of Swede Home Lutheran Church from birth until she moved to Polk in 1984. She and Harvey joined the Polk Lutheran Church and were members here until she returned to the Swede Home Lutheran Church. In 2017 she became the oldest living member of the church.

Irene is survived by her four children, Doug (Cathy) of Denton, Texas, Lynn (Lynda) of Cairo, Brad (Susie) of Polk and Leanne (Kent) Anderson of Paxton; 10 grandchildren, Jeff (Michelle), Brian (Erin), Corey (Brenda), Ryan (Renae), Nolan, Sheri (Kyle) Larsen, Jennifer Nelson, Jon (Meghan), Kyle (Annie) Anderson and Krista (Jacob) Spurgin; 13 great-grandchildren; a brother, John Forss; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey (Buck), her parents, and one brother, Irvin Forss.

Memorials are suggested to Calvary Lutheran Church in Swede Home.

Orginially published in the Grand Island Independent on October 26, 2017.