Irene Savolainen, 86, of Moose Lake, died Monday, June 27, 2011 in Mercy Hospital, Moose Lake. She was born February 7, 1925 in Poplar, WI to Edward and Nina (Asker) Graham. Irene graduated from Poplar High School in 1943. She was employed as a nurse's aid at St. Josephs Hospital in Superior for about one year. She then moved to Bancroft, MI where she was employed as a final inspector of A.M.C. Needles and Idle Valves at Bendix Aviation Corporation of Owosso, MI. Irene went on to attend Miller Vocational Hospital of Minneapolis in 1947. She graduated as an LPN and was employed at Osceola, WI, Long Prairie, MN and Rice Lake, WI. Irene began RN training at St. Luke's Hospital of Duluth in 1952 and graduated in 1955. She was employed for a short time at St. Luke's Hospital before becoming employed at Moose Lake State Hospital where she was worked for 30 years. Irene was united in marriage to her first husband, Roy Pykonen on November 26, 1955 in Superior, WI. Roy passed away in 1967. Irene was united in marriage to her second husband, Vern Savolainen on April 12, 1969 in Moose Lake. Irene was a member of Evangelical Covenant Church of Moose Lake and was involved in the Covenant Women's group, "Peppy Seniors" , the church choir and Sunday School. Irene was also a member of Mercy Hospital Auxiliary, A.A.R.P. and the Minnesota Nurses Association for 30 years.

Irene is preceded in death by husbands, Roy Pykonen and Vern Savolainen; her parents; 1 sister, Lois Arrowsmith.

Irene is survived by her sister, Anita (Robert) Belford of St. Augustine, FL; 4 nieces; 1 nephew; cousins, Virgil and Marilyn Nelson of Poplar, WI and Elvera Renman of South Range, WI; other cousins and friends.

A gathering of family and friends was held on Friday, July 1, from 10 AM until the 11 AM Memorial Service in Evangelical Covenant Church, Moose Lake. Inurnment was in Sunset Memorial Cemetery, Moose Lake. To sign the guestbook online, go to: www.hhkfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are with Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.