Private family services will be held at a later date.
Irene Doris Hite, daughter of Fred and Bertha (Johnson) Gustafson, was born December 4, 1922 in Trade Lake, Wisconsin. She received her education in Trade Lake. Following high school, she earned her degree in Nursing.
On June 29, 1945, Irene was united in marriage to Homer Hite in Texas. To this union, they had two sons, Wayne and Chuck.
Irene worked as a nurse while Homer served in the Army Air Corps. After Homer was discharged from the military, they moved to Ames while he completed his degree. After graduation, Homer and Irene, along with their first son, moved to Horicon, Wisconsin.
In 1950, they moved to Emmetsburg where she became the bookkeeper for the John Deere dealership in Emmetsburg, which was operated by Homer. After retirement, Irene and Homer moved to live in Texas for many years. In 2013, they moved back to Emmetsburg to be closer to family.
Irene loved the warm weather, being outside, working in her garden, and fishing. She also enjoyed working with leather, collecting sea shells, and traveling. Above all, Irene loved being with her family.
She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and a member of the Methodist Church.
Irene passed away Friday, August 30, 2024 at Lakeside Lutheran Home in Emmetsburg, Iowa, at the age of 101. She was preceded in death by her husband, Homer Hite; Parents, Fred and Bertha Gustafson; sister, Beatrice Wikstrom; and brother-in-law, Roy Wikstrom.
She is survived by her two sons, Wayne (Judy) Hite of Delores, Colorado and Chuck (Deb) Hite of Cylinder, Iowa; three grandchildren, Bryan (Julie) Hite, Brent (Debbie) Hite, and Shanda Walker; five great-grandchildren, Teegan (Jonathan) Schlagel, Brennan Hite, Hunter Hite, Tanner Hite, and Madison Walker; as well as many other relatives.
Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home.
