Irene Buhr, 94 of Flatville, passed away at 5:00 a.m. Monday, January 17, 2022, at Country Health Care, Gifford.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 22, 2022, at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Flatville with Rev. James T. Lehmann officiating.  Burial will follow in Kopmann Cemetery.  There will be no visitation, but a celebration of life will be held at a later date.  Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville is handling arrangements.

She was born on July 24, 1927, the daughter of Frederick and Kathryn (Osterbur) Bluhm.  She graduated from Ogden High School in 1945, and after graduation was employed at Sullivan Chevrolet in Champaign, and later at the Geological Survey at the University of Illinois.

Irene married Siegfried Buhr on August 2, 1947, at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal.  They lived on the Buhr family farm all their married life of 67 years.  This farm has been in the Buhr family for 150 years and was recognized as a Sesquicentennial farm at the Illinois State Fair in 2021.

Siegfried preceded her in death on May 14, 2013.  They were blessed with four children:  Marcie Buhr, St. Joseph, Steve Buhr, Gifford; Russell (Marilyn) Buhr, Loda; Kenneth (DeAnn) Buhr, Flatville.  Also surviving are six grandchildren, Michelle (Brad) Camp, Norman, OK; Jeff (Aimee) Buhr, Urbana; Andy (Missy) Buhr, Gifford; Tommy (Molly) Buhr, Ogden; Kyle Buhr, Champaign; Leah Buhr, Tolono and three step-grandchildren, Tana (Greg) Suits, Emily (Brandon) Williams and Travis (Melissa) Fruhling.  Also, ten great grandchildren, Ella and Adi Camp; Max and Annie Buhr; Avary, Brody, Declan and Emmaline Buhr; Sophie and Mason Buhr; and six step great-grandchildren, Logan and Connor Suits; Mia, Libby and Bristol Williams; and Macy Fruhling.

Also surviving, one sister, Helen Comnick, Loretto, Minnesota and numerous nieces and nephews.  Preceding her in death were daughter-in-law, Martha Buhr; two sisters, Emma Raup and Anna Franzen; three brothers, Ernest, Alvin (Kelly) and Herb Bluhm and three nephews.

Irene was baptized into Christ's family at St. John Lutheran, Royal and confirmed there in 1943.  After her marriage in 1947 she became a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, where she was involved in many of the activities.  Pastor Mueller asked if she would assist in teaching confirmation classes during the four weeks of Bible School and continue to help in the confirmation classes on Saturday mornings.  The most enjoyable time for her was serving as church organist.  During the late 1940's the early church services were conducted in German, her first role as church organist began playing for these services.  For over 70 years she was very much involved in music programs in the church; as pianist for the Junior and Senior choirs, as well as playing for many worship services.  Since there were other organists at Immanuel, and other congregations were frequently without an organist, Irene was willing to help out when called to substitute.  She served as part-time organist at Bethany Park Christian Church, Rantoul for 16 years.  Since their church started at 10:30, she could be at Flatville for the 8:00 service and be in Rantoul at 10:30.  An interesting memory that she often recalled was when Pastor Dixon left Flatville to accept a call to Trinity Lutheran Church, Mattoon; he was without an organist for the first three weeks, so asked Irene if she could help until they could find a replacement.  So, a few trips on Sunday mornings to Mattoon.  Over the years Irene had the privilege of playing for well over 200 funerals and many weddings.

She was also privileged to serve as Parish secretary at Immanuel for 16 years, a job that she thoroughly enjoyed.  It was Pastor Zenker that came to her home one day to ask if she would be willing to accept the position.

Irene was a charter member of the Immanuel Lutheran Historical Committee which was organized in 1978.  She was also a member of the Champaign County Farm Bureau Women's Committee and worked as a volunteer for the I & I Gas Engine Club in Penfield for their yearly tractor show.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, Kopmann Cemetery or an organization of the donor's choice.  Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.