TIMKEN — Irene Marie Holopirek, 91, died Dec. 29, 2015, at Cherry Village Nursing Home, Great Bend. She was born Feb. 24, 1924, at Great Bend, the daughter of Narzis Joseph and Mary Laura (Horyna) Gleissner. She married Alvin G. “Al” Holopirek Aug. 24, 1947, at Pike’s Peak, Colorado. He died March 22, 2005.
She was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Timken. She was a 1943 graduate of Otis High School. She attended Fort Hays State Teachers College and taught country school northeast of Olmitz and at Bazine Grade School. During World War II, Mrs. Holopirek worked in Kansas City and attended the University of Missouri.
She also was co-owner and operator of Al’s Place, Timken, for 38 years.
She was a member of Eagles Aerie No. 646 Auxiliary, American Legion Post 180 Auxiliary, and Sunflower Polka Club, all of Great Bend; the Gay Gingham Unit, Rush County Garden Club, and Feather Club.
Survivors include two sons, Perry Holopirek and his wife Karla, and Terry Holopirek and his wife Alice, both of Great Bend; one daughter, Linda Beyer and her husband James of Hutchinson; six grandchildren, Jamie Holopirek and his wife Gretchen, Matt Holopirek and his wife Kelli, Jodi Holopirek, Diana Miller and her husband Matt, Leslie Hind and her husband Jordan, and Patty Teufel and her husband Brian; and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Rosie Hejny and Lillian Pearson, and one granddaughter, Jeanette Holopirek.
A graveside service will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Timken, at a later date. Memorials are requested to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home*
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 30, 2015