Irene D. Engle

Irene D. Engle, 79, of Philipsburg, died Sunday, August 25, 2013, at the Granite County Medical Center. Irene was born on April 2, 1934, at Wanamingo, MN, to Oral and Josephine Orsten Clark. She was the youngest of three children. Brothers Glen and Don were older. The family moved to Raidersburg, MT then settled in Townsend, MT. It is there, that Irene graduated from Broadwater County High School in 1952. She was active in cheerleading, student council, was a delegate to Girls State and a Prom princess. On October 12, 1952 she wed her sweetheart LaVerne "Vern" Engle. Irene and Vern made their first home in Libby, MT, where Vern started his career in sales with the JC Penny Co. Meanwhile, Irene started their family when oldest son, Robert was born. Vern transferred to Pasco, WA, where son, David was born. Another transfer with the JC Penny Co. took them to Monterey, CA where daughter Larene was born. In1960 the family moved to Philipsburg, MT where they purchased The Clothes Mart retail store. In Philipsburg, daughter Jo Ann was born and Irene said, "No More Moves!" Working alongside her husband, Irene became a successful business woman. Together Irene and Vern operated a thriving retail clothing store the Clothes Mart where their motto was "Things to wear, for people who care." They also owned and operated the Club Bar and Cigar store. These successful businesses required a deep commitment on her part, but she always found time to attend her children's activities and provide a loving comfortable home for her family. Irene was very active in her community. She played leadership roles in the local March of Dimes Chapter, Junior Women's League and Chamber of Commerce. As a member of the Chamber, Irene felt that community businesses should support the annual Flint Creek Valley Days parade. Drawing on the creative minds of Rita Metesch and Cindy Benson, Irene would rally family and friends to assist in building an award winning float. After the Clothes Mart ceased operation, Irene opened Pintlar Fashions in Anaconda for a number of years. When Irene took up the game of golf, she enjoyed the sport so much that she started a family reunion tradition the "Engle Open". Each summer in July, family and friends would meet to play golf and enjoy food and fellowship. Irene also loved to play the game of Bridge. For years she and Vern played in a couples Bridge club and for the past several years she was a proud member of the Bad Girls Bridge Club. She also enjoyed shooting pool alongside her husband. Irene is survived by her children Robert (Joan) Engle; Forsyth, MT, David (Tammy) Engle; Frenchtown, MT, Larene Engle; Philipsburg, MT, and Jo Ann (Miles) Moquist; Missoula,MT, grandchildren; Matthew and Allison Weber, Andrea and AnnaLea Engle, Jessie Moquist and Jamie Ray, great-grandchildren; Courtney Boese, Haylie and Hannah Selvidge and Audrianna Ray. Irene was preceded in death by her parents; Oral and Josephine Clark, her brothers; Glen and Don and her husband, Vern. The family would like to personally extend our thanks and gratitude to Debbie Miller, for her loving care and compassion shown towards our mother. Debbie always referred to mom as "family". Thanks, Deb. To the Bad Girls Bridge Club, thank you for your friendship, loyalty and love given to Irene. Good Night Irene, You'll always be in our dreams.

Service

SEP 7. 3:00 PM (MDT)

Granite County Museum and Cultural Center 135 Sansome St. Philipsburg, MT 59858