A celebration of the life of Irene Joyce Fitterer, 64, of Dickinson, ND formerly of Hettinger, will be Saturday, May 15, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. at the former First Congregational Church, now the Centennial Chapel of Evanson Jensen Funeral Homes in Hettinger. Burial will follow in the Hettinger Cemetery.

Serving as casketbearers are Michael, Matthew, Brian, Scott, and James Fitterer.

One month after her 64th birthday, Irene Joyce Fitterer lost her battle with breast cancer. Irene passed away peaceful at the Hill Top Home of Comfort in Killdeer, North Dakota on Thursday, May 6, 2010.

Irene was born on April 6, 1946 in Minot, North Dakota to Carl and Violet (Anderson) Fitterer. She was raised and spent most of her adult life in Hettinger. She attended Hettinger High School and St. Mary's Catholic High School in Richardton, North Dakota. Irene worked for her parents at the Fitterer Rexall Drugstore, the Hettinger Community Hospital and Hettinger Nursing home.

Irene enjoyed walks, Hettinger sporting events and animals. Irene loved cats

Irene is survived by her sister; Marie (Dick) Monahan of Phoenix, AZ; and brothers ; Mark (Joanne) of Chino Valley, AZ; and Huck of Phoenix, AZ; five nephews, Michael of Phoenix ,AZ., Matt of Chicago, Illinois, Brian (Marla) of Chandler, AZ ; Scott of Spring Valley, AZ. and Great-Nephew, James of Chandler, AZ; and former husband, Gary Kotles of Hettinger, ND.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Violet Fitterer.

Special thanks to the case workers and caregivers from Badlands Human Services, Stark County Social services, Hill Top Home of Comfort, and her legal guardian for giving her love and dignity with special care in the last months and days of her life, her family is so very grateful.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to be sent to Dakota Buttes Museum in Hettinger, North Dakota.