Irene Isabell Reece

Irene Katzer (Linvill) Reece passed away Saturday, February 3, 2024, at the age of 102 at Morningstar Care Homes of Neodesha.

Irene Isabell Reece was born August 9, 1921, to Wenzel and Louise (Huss) Katzer on a farm west of Neodesha. She attended the Neodesha schools except for four years when she attended Oak Grove country school. She graduated from NHS with the class of 1940 as the president of the class. She also attended Independence Community College.

She worked for SW Bell Telephone Company for over 33 years, retiring as a service representative. She was a life member of the Communication Workers of America Union and served as a union representative for many years. She was also a life member of Telephone Pioneer of America.

Irene Katzer and Cyrus Linvill were married on September 10, 1944, at the Catholic Church in Neodesha. He had just returned from duty with the US Navy in the South Pacific. They lived in Miami, Florida until after the end of WWII, when they returned to Neodesha. Cyrus died on July 31, 1991. On June 24, 2000, Irene and J.C. (Bill) Reece were married at the Catholic Church in Fredonia. He died August 27, 2005.

Irene was a past president of the hospital auxiliary as well as being a volunteer at the hospital for many years. She was a certified tutor and assisted many adults in improving their reading skills.

She was a member of the St. Ignatius Catholic Church and the St. Ignatius Altar Society. She was a member of the Neodesha Arts Association, Friends of the Library, a life member of the VFW Auxiliary, and a life member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She was a life member of the Torchbearer Gamma Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, having held every office at some time during her membership.

In 1986, Irene was selected by the AARP as a winner of the Elderhostel Award. The award was based on volunteering. She was chosen from approximately 100 persons in the nation. The award was a one-week vacation/learning time at the college of her choice. She chose KSU. In 1990, she was chosen as the “in town” NHS alumnus of the year.

Irene was a member of the EWA bridge group at Independence. She enjoyed traveling, genealogy, handwork and reading. In recent years, she was a volunteer for Harry Hynes Hospice.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, George and Lawrence Katzer and two sisters, Catherine Petrich and Alice Kammerer.

She is survived by one sister-in-law, Lorene (Reece) Adams of Cresswell, OR, and many nieces and nephews. On Thursday, February 8, 2024, the family will greet friends for a visitation at 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Neodesha and Reciting of the Rosary will follow at 6:30 pm. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Neodesha on Friday, February 9, 2024 at 10:30 am. Memorial contributions can be made in Irene’s name to Rankin Memorial Library, St. Ignatius Catholic Church or Wilson Medical Center Auxiliary. To leave the family a special message of condolence, please visit www.loranfawcettfuneralhome.com.