Irene Eskam, age 98 of Gering, NE, completed her earthly journey, and entered her heavenly home on January 13, 2024 at Heritage Estates in Gering, NE. Her funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 20th, at 10:00 a.m. at Zion Evangelical Church in Scottsbluff, NE with Pastor Andrew Griess officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Scottsbluff. Visitation will be held at Bridgman Funeral Home on Friday, January 19th, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials in Irene’s honor be made to Zion Evangelical Church or Hospice Care. Online condolences may be made at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com to be forwarded to the family.
Irene was born April 8, 1925 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Carl and Margaret (Schuppie) Rieb. She moved with her parents, at the age of 1 ½ years old, to Scottsbluff, NE. She grew up and attended school in Scottsbluff with the class of 1942. She married Ted Eskam on February 28, 1943 in Scottsbluff, NE. To this union was born two children: Debra Colleen and Jerry Allen. Ted and Irene farmed and made a happy life together in the Minatare area for 43 years; where Irene was a partner and loved helping with the field work ~ especially during harvest time. Irene loved her church, her family, the farm, and she was very proud of her German heritage. She loved dancing and playing cards with the “girls”, reading the Bible, and lovingly helped her family whenever needed. Irene was a proud lifetime member of Zion Evangelical Church, where she actively served as a past member of the Women’s Ministries for many years. Irene is survived and will be lovingly missed by her daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Gene Hoff; grandchildren Brenda (Charlie) Witmer, Brian (Julie) Hoff, Jodi (Brian) Rupp, Jered (Trish) Eskam; great grandchildren, Kamilah and Carson Rupp; Owen and Logan Hoff, Paige Weborg, Jaxson and Macie Eskam; daughter-in-law, Darlene (Randy) Wickard, brother-in-law Rieny Eskam, and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Her parents, husband Ted, son Jerry, brother Raymond, and sister Esther Propp preceded Irene in death. A very special “Thank you” to Heritage Estates and Hospice for the love and excellent care she received during her stay.