Irene Ruth Lahm

Longtime former Lexington resident, Irene Ruth (Biltoft) Lahm, 94, was called home Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at Bryan East Medical Center. Irene was born Friday, December 13, 1929, in Ruskin, Nebraska to James and Olive (Young) Biltoft.

Irene grew up on a farm helping with chores, kitchen duties and housework. Her favorite memory was riding horses. At the age of three the family home burned down. That event and the depression taught her the value of frugality. She served as the captain of her high school volleyball team and graduated from Ruskin High School in 1947.

On September 20, 1948, Irene married Don Lahm in Cozad where they lived until 1952 when they moved to Lexington. Four children were born to this union. Ruby Irene (Iszler), Rita Ilene (Beck), Dennis Edward and Dona Ruth (Sabby).

Irene was a dedicated mother and homemaker and also worked at JM Donalds department store.  After sewing her two daughters’ wedding dresses people learned of her talent as a seamstress.  She did alterations for clothing stores in Lexington and made many friends by taking in alterations. Irene treated each job as an urgency getting them in and out quickly. She helped Don with his auctioneer business by cataloging and sprucing up items for the sale. Irene never flustered when Don would call and say I’m bringing an implement customer home for lunch. She instilled in her kids the value of hard work, saving and cleanliness. Another talent Irene had was pie making. It was fun to see how many pies she would make for a family gathering and family could always count on strawberry pretzel salad to be part of the meal. If she came to visit, she would surely bring you toilet paper.   Everybody uses toilet paper!

Irene and Don celebrated 64 years of marriage. When Don’s health declined, Irene was his faithful, loving caregiver until his death in 2013. Following Don’s death Irene decided to sell the family home and moved to Legend Oaks.  She enjoyed playing cards at the Lexington Grand Generation Center, participating in numerous clubs, doing jigsaw puzzles and word finds, and watching game shows. She kept her mind sharp throughout it all.

In October 2023, Irene moved to Nebraska City to live in Rita and David’s carriage house. They were wonderful, dedicated caregivers getting her to appointments, sharing meals and tending to household chores.  She loved their beautiful gardens and would pull weeds while sitting on her walker whenever she could. She was looking forward to Spring and Summer and being outside.

Irene is preceded in death by her husband, Don, two brothers, three sisters, son, Dennis, daughter, Ruby, grandchildren Melissa Major and John Beck and great granddaughter Maddie Everitt.

Irene is survived by daughters, Rita (David) Beck and Dona (Larry) Sabby, grandchildren Shelly (Dustin) Everitt, Kevin (Kammi) Beck, Kirk (Robin) Major, Jessica (Mark) Lamphear, Sarah (Ryan) Major and eight greatgrandchildren.

In memory of Irene, please send someone you appreciate a handwritten thank you note. It may sound old fashioned, but gratitude never goes out of style. Irene was a classy lady with that kind of style.

Graveside inurnment will be Monday, April 22, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. at Greenwood Cemetery in Lexington.  A presentation of flowers at 10:00 a.m. at Reynolds Love Funeral Home followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. officiated by Pastor David Irwin. 

 A lunch will be at Kirk’s Nebraskaland Restaurant, Lexington at noon.