Irene H. Kiess

Irene H. Kiess, 92, of Decatur, Indiana passed away on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at Adams Woodcrest.

She was born on August 19, 1932, in Adams County, Indiana to the late Gustav and the late Selma (Bleeke) Krueckeberg. On June 16, 1953, Irene was united in marriage to Eugene F. Kiess. They had 61 years together before his passing on February 4, 2015.

She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Friedheim in Decatur and was active in the LWML and Morning Glories. She served as president of Cielo Grande Sewing Group in Mesa, Arizona; was a Board Member of the Adams Memorial Hospital Auxiliary; was a member of the American Legion Post #43 Auxiliary; and served as a volunteer at Adams Memorial Hospital for many years.

Irene was a graduate of Monmouth High School. Before Irene went into banking, she was employed at Williams Elevator. She began her banking career at First State Bank of Decatur and then retired as vice president at Decatur Bank & Trust with over 25 years of experience in the banking industry. Irene paused from retirement and worked at Three Rivers Federal Union.

In her retirement, Irene enjoyed spending her time sewing, playing cards and domino’s with neighbors, making crafts, and following Gene around on his many rounds of golf. But in addition to being active in her community and seeing the value of serving others, her greatest accomplishment was serving as a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother to her family. She was very dedicated to their needs and attended all their activities.

Survivors include her son, Gregg (Kay) Kiess of Fort Wayne, Indiana; daughter, Cynthia (Paul) DesJean of Decatur, Indiana; daughter, Nanette (John) Nidlinger of Decatur, Indiana; son, Duane (Lisa) Kiess of Decatur, Indiana; daughter, Debra (Toney) Bergman of Decatur, Indiana; brother, Melvin (Arlene) Krueckeberg of New Haven, Indiana; Gene’s surviving family: sister, Joyce (Ken) Knipstein of Fort Wayne, Indiana; 13 grandchildren: Cody (Megan) Kiess, Zak (Michelle) Kiess, Nik Kiess, Sara (Matt) Konopka, Joey (Ale) DesJean, J.D. (Casey) Nidlinger, Kylene (Todd) Deitemeyer, Matthew (Haleigh) Nidlinger, Shawn Kiess, Shelby (Jake) Gremelspacher, Jacob (Tara) Bergman, Aaron (Sarah) Bergman, and Emily Bergman; and 22 great-grandchildren with another on the way; and one great-great grandchild with another on the way.

In addition to her parents and husband, Irene was preceded in death by a grandson, Shane Kiess; and siblings, Ester Krueckeberg, Truman Krueckeberg (KIA during WWII), Morris (Naomi) Krueckeberg, Amanda (Dorwin) Dressler, Norma (Ben) Miller, and Gertrude (Gaylord) Heine.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church, Friedheim with Pastor Matthew Ulmer officiating. Burial will follow at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Friedheim.

Friends and family will be received on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, from 2-5 and 6-8 p.m. at the Zwick and Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur and from 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday prior to the service at Zion Lutheran Church, Friedheim.

Preferred memorials can be given to Zion Lutheran Church Friedheim - Wyneken Endowment (checks payable to Zion Lutheran – Friedheim).

Arrangements by Zwick and Jahn Funeral Homes of Decatur, Indiana