Irene Cameron Obituary

Irene Clarice (Thul) Cameron, 71, died Monday, July 22, 2024 at her home in Des Moines. The family will receive friends 2-4 pm Thursday, July 25th at Iles Westover Chapel where a Vigil Service will begin at 4 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 am Friday, July 26th at St. Joesph’s Catholic Church in St. Joseph, Iowa. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Irene was born April 29, 1953 in Algona, Iowa to Eugene and Emma (Becker) Thul. She was raised in St. Joseph, Iowa where she attended grade school. Irene graduated from Bishop Garrigan High School with the class of 1971. She attended ICCC in Fort Dodge, Iowa and moved to Des Moines in 1972.

In March of 1973 Irene married Richard Cameron. He passed away in 1983.

She worked for Polk County Treasurer in the motor vehicle department for 39 years, retiring in 2012. She was responsible for the overhaul of the new Vehicle, Registration & Titling (VRT) system which went live on January 1, 2005. Irene had many hobbies including her book clubs, golf, pickleball, bowling, visiting casinos, mahjong, yoga and traveling. She was very creative, working with stained glass, photography, quilting and gardening. Memberships included the Newcomers Compass Club (co-president in 2023), working the polling stations for elections and was a volunteer usher at the Des Moines Civic Center.

Survivors include her siblings: Donna Forsythe of Fort Dodge, Barbara Forsythe of West Bend, Jean Pittsley of Libby, MT, Richard (Sheryl) Thul of Boone, Virginia (Joe) Kulisek of Westchester, IL, Emily (Larry) Brown of Gowrie, Millie Crawford of Readlyn, Peggy (Ron) Kovacs of Glen Campbell, PA, Don (Linda) Thul of West Bend; In laws: Frank Montag of West Bend, Heidi Thul of Hayden Lake, ID. Irene was preceded in death by her parents, brother, David; sisters: Charlene Miller, Mary Lu Thul, Fran Johnston, Carla Montag; In laws: Ray Forsythe, George Forsythe, Lannie Miller, Dale Pittsley, Gary Bendickson, Bill Crawford, Mark Johnston; long time companion, Jerry “Coach” Kenworthy who passed in June 2023.

Irene enjoyed her 50 nieces and nephews, several who were welcomed into her home as they navigated through life.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice in honor of Irene.

Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.

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