Irene Mary (Neppl) Lecy

Irene Mary Lecy, 89, of Chatfield passed away peacefully Sunday, October 15, 2023 at Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield after a brief illness.

Irene Mary Neppl was born April 14,1934, in Estherville, Iowa, to Englebert & Apollonia (Thelen) Neppl.  She attended country school through the 8th grade.  She graduated from Dolliver (Iowa) High School.

Irene moved to Rochester and worked for several years after graduating.  She met Duane Lecy while he was home on leave from the Navy.  Irene and Duane were married on June 23, 1962.  Duane and Irene traveled the United States with Duane’s navy career getting to experience many locations until Duane’s retirement from the Navy in 1974.  Upon retirement in 1974 they moved to Chatfield and made there home there raising their family.  Duane and Irene loved to travel and visit family and friends. She was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother. Her children and grandchildren were very important to Irene and she will be greatly missed.

Irene is lovingly remembered by her two daughters Pam (Jeff) Wing of Chadron Nebraska and Rae Hardecopf of Grand Meadow.  Four grandchildren: Allison Hardecopf, Andrew (Sam) Hardecopf, Heather Wing and Benjamin Wing. Two Great Grandchildren: Harper and Ryann She is also survived by brother Paul A. Neppel of Spirit Lake, Iowa.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Duane Lecy on May 17, 2009, her sister Irma Brandenburg, brother Leo Neppl.

Funeral Mass for Irene will be 11 a.m. Friday, October 20, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Chatfield with Father McGrath officiating.  Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church.  Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Chatfield.

Riley Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting the Lecy family with arrangements.  Online condolences are welcome at rileyfuneralhomes.com