Helen "Irene “ Whitten Chism Colfack, 90, of Grand Island was welcomed to her heavenly home into the waiting  arms of  our Lord God on September 14, 2020 with her family at her bedside at Tiffany Square.   Irene was born March 29, 1930 in Phillipsburg, Kansas to Joy Joseph “JJ” Whitten and Helen Matteson Whitten. 

She grew up near rural Guide Rock and the surrounding areas.  She attended Kearney State Teachers College and then taught for several years in a one room school houses when she was 16 years old. Some of her students were older, bigger  and taller than her.   She was united in marriage to William D. Chism in July 1950 and to this union two children were born.  She later married Lloyd Colfack.   Irene was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church.  She enjoyed coffee with her neighborhood friends, playing the piano, horse racing at Fonner Park, playing bingo and keno. She was a champion KRGI treasure hunter.   Most of all she loved family reunions or get togethers and playing cutthroat Whitten family double deck pinochle.  

She was cherished by her family and loved by anyone who knew her.   She is survived by her children, Gary Chism and Shirley Chism Suder (Michael); stepdaughter, Cindy Schlueter (Dennis); stepson Dale Colfack and the three lights of her life her beloved grandchildren, Kelly Harnick (Aaron), Sean Chism and Michael C. Suder; sister-in-law Barbara Whitten and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.   She was preceded in death by her parents, JJ and Helen Whitten; spouses, William D. Chism and Lloyd Colfack; brothers Leonard, Dewain and Gordon Whitten and daughter-in-law, Diana Lee Chism.   

Visitation will be held with family present on  Friday, September 18, 2020 from 4 to 6  pm at Livingston-Sondermann Funeral Home.  On Saturday, September 19th at 10:00 am a private family gathering will be held at Livingston-Sondermann Funeral Home followed by a graveside service at the Grand Island City Cemetery to celebrate her life and lay her to rest.   Officiating the service: nephew,  Lonnie Whitten, Jr and her granddaughter, Kelly Harnick.   Memorials suggested to the family for later designation.  Condolences can be left at www.livson.com

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