Irene Kathryn Goetz (affectionately called Queen by family and close friends) was born on March 6, 1938, to Reinhold and Eleanor Goetz in Mandan, North Dakota.
Irene married Dacre Duke in Boulder, MT on August 9, 1957. They were married for 67 years until his passing on September 24, 2024. Together they raised their daughters Kim and Karyn and built a beautiful life in Helena, MT.
Irene worked in the medical field before joining Blue Cross Blue Shield where she met many of her lifelong friends. She enjoyed baking, crafting, and collecting items from her travels. Although, finding new ways to spoil her grandchildren and great grandchildren was her favorite hobby.
She always had a seat at her table, a hot cup of coffee, and a story or two for her family and friends.
Irene is preceded in death by her husband Dacre Duke, parents, Reinhold and Eleanor Goetz, brother Ivan Goetz, and brother-in-law Doug Fandrich. She is survived by her sisters Helen Fandrich and Phyllis (Ken) Mosby. Daughters Kim (Tim) Bennett and Karyn (Dave) Kanta. Grandchildren Dugan Kanta, Lindsay (AJ) Konen, Ty Kanta, Colter (Hillery) Bennett, McKell (Riley) Corcoran and JD Bennett. Great Grandchildren: Lillian, Ella, and Beau Bennett; Carson and Cora Konen; and Beckett Corcoran.
Irene will be cremated and her cremated remains will be buried next to her husband Dacre at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Helena.
A celebration of Irene’s life will be Friday, March 6, 2026, at Jackson Creek Saloon and Grill in Montanan City from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Friday March 6, 2026
Jackson Creek Saloon and Grill
Montana City, Montana
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Friday March 6, 2026
Jackson Creek Saloon and Grill
Montana City, Montana
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Kathleen Broussard says
Karyn and Kim and family
We are so very sorry about your mom and grandma. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. She is with your dad now. Hugs and prayers.
Keith, Kathleen, and Kory Broussard
Robert Pickett says
Kim and Karyn and Family
Many Condolences from my family to yours. Your parents were so of the greatest in the world. And they are together again. It was a pleasure and and honor to have been in there lives.
Paula Hunthausen says
Karyn and Kim,
So saddened to hear of your mom’s passing. I have many great childhood memories of her during time spent playing at your home in EH. May God surround you in his love as you mourn her loss.
Jackie Fuller says
Queenie, I will also remember your huge heart and wonderful smile During the holiday season I will cherish the special ceramic Santa, Snowman, Christmas tree and Bird house that you shared with me. Every time I decorate for Christmas you will always be there for me.
Kim and Karyn, you two are so much like your mom and I am blessed to have you in my life❤️
Maggie (Ernst) Mccartney says
Kim and Karyn, I am sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I hadn’t seen her in a few years. I love her picture; she was a really cute little old lady! We had good years working together with wonderful Dr. Amicucci. RIP dear Irene.
elaine tuffli says
She was one of a kind. Never saw her anything but smiles. So very nice. I am also a bcbsmt retiree. So sorry your loss.
Linda Joy Wollitz says
I worked with Irene for many years at BCBSMT. She was a hard worker and fun to be around. She shared lots of her home made Carmels & Peanutbutter Fudge with us all. I was fortunate to visit her a few months ago. She knew me right away & we had a great time reminiscing.
I give all your family my condolences. Irene will be truly missed
Doug Finstad says
Kim and Karyn, I am so sorry for your loss. She was always so nice to me when I was young.
John & Cherie Dahl says
Irene was a special lady that I enjoyed working with at Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Thoughts and prayers go out to her family 🙏🙏🙏
Dara Anderson says
I was so sad to hear of Irene’s passing, I absolutely adored her! We worked together at BCBS and had so many laughs. She was an amazing cook! I still make her puppy chow, peanut butter fudge, and sweetie pie recipes. She brought rum balls to a work Christmas party once and I felt a little buzzed after eating 2! She would also bring in apples and we would have regular “appy hours”. I always thought she had such great style for a gal older to me :0). She told me once that she loved Dacre so much and couldn’t imagine ever living without him. She talked alot about her daughters, grandkids and grand puppies and her love for her family. She made me feel like a daughter but little did she know she was one of my best friends at work. Karen, Kim and family my deepest condolences- Queenie will be missed!
Erin Snyder says
Karyn and Kim, Your mom was a loving spitfire, and I will miss her. Along with other beloved ladies from BCBSMT, we enjoyed many years of birthday lunches with much laughter and showers of gifts. We called her Reenie instead of Queenie. She loved talking about you and her grandchildren — she was so proud of all of you and blessed by you. Please accept my sympathy as you grieve your mom.