Irene Huismann

Irene Caroline Huismann, 90, a beloved mother, grandmother and friend to many, passed away peacefully while surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at Saint Luke’s East Hospital in Lee’s Summit, MO.

Friends are invited to say a final goodbye to Irene at a graveside service on Monday, November, 3rd – New Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery - Brainard, NE at 2:00pm.

Irene was born near Valparaiso, NE on February 24, 1935 to Lillian (Buresch) and Jakub Matulka. She lived in the Octavia area where she attended grade school in District 53, Butler County, before graduating from Schuyler High School in 1952 with a teaching certificate. She taught in District 53 for two years.

On November 24, 1953, she married Harold H. Huismann at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Schuyler, NE. In 1954, her husband joined the military whereas she, and their three children - Ken, Debbie and Mark – traveled for 24 years. This took them to Texas, Greenland, Spain, California, Alabama and Colorado before retiring where it all began - in Schuyler, NE. In 1978 she worked part time at Riley’s Bar which she and her husband owned and operated until his death in 1996. It wasn’t until 2023 that she decided to move to Lee’s Summit, MO so she could be closer to family.

Hobbies and Church (St. Augustine) are what kept Irene active. She loved to garden, can and dehydrate all that she grew, quilt, sew, paint and play Scrabble. She also loved caring for her cats, Oreo and her special needs kitty, Tango. As an avid sports fan, you would always see her cheering for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, KC Royals, KC Chiefs and Denver Broncos.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Harold; her sister Celestine “Sally” Pleskac; her brothers Raymond and Lawrence Matulka; her daughter, Debbie Huismann and her oldest son, Kenneth Huismann.

She is survived by her youngest son, Mark Huismann; daughter-in-law, Terri Huismann; granddaughter, Toni Huismann; and grandson, Kirk Huismann. She is also survived by her oldest son’s (Ken) wife and daughter-in-law, Debbie Huismann.

Those who knew Irene will remember her for her compassion, kindness, infectious smile and deep-rooted faith in Jesus Christ. Although her physical presence may no longer grace our lives, her spirit will continue to lift and inspire us.