Irene V. Folkerts, 92, of Beatrice, died Monday afternoon, February 17, 2025, at the Beatrice Community Hospital surrounded by her loving family.  She was born on February 24, 1932, to Gerd and Gretje (Meints) Stevens. On April 22, 1951, she married Edwin Folkerts at Emmanuel Lutheran Church.  They lived and farmed east of Beatrice.  She was a lifelong member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church of rural Beatrice. She enjoyed playing cards, going to casinos, and traveling, especially to Branson, MO.

Survivors include three sons, Larry Folkerts of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Alan (Kim) Folkerts and Bob (Cheryl) Folkerts all of Beatrice; two daughters, Betty George of Beatrice and Diane Folkerts of Lincoln; eight grandchildren, Chris George, Jeremy (Jenny) Folkerts, Aaron (Holly) Folkerts, Amber (Jason) Lovitt, Todd (Kim) George, John Folkerts, Jason (Joni) Folkerts, and Michelle George; ten great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin, who died on March 1, 2020; son-in-law, Tony George; parents, Gerd and Gretje “Maggie” (Meints) Stevens; brothers, Lammert (Margaret) Frerichs, Ehme (Arlene) Stevens, and Irwin Stevens; sisters, Abbie (Harm) DeBuhr, Tena (John) Busboom, Gertrude (Dick) Jurgens, Marie (Siebend) Ideus and Mildred (Richard) Ewald; parents-in-law, John and Lena Folkerts; brothers-in-law, Leon Sullivan and Elmer (Emile) Folkerts; sister-in-law, Darlene (Paul) Bernhardt.  

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, February 21, 2025, at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church of rural Beatrice with Pastor Chuck Bentjen officiating. Burial will be at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery of rural Pickrell.  A family prayer service will be held at 10:15 A.M. Friday morning at the church.  The body will lie in state at the Fox Funeral Home on Thursday from 9:00 A.M. until 8:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the family for future designation with Jr. and Diane Zimmerman in charge www.foxfuneralhome.net  Arrangements entrusted to Fox Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Beatrice.