Obituary

Irene Saline, age 94, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2025 at her home in Sugar Hill, Georgia. Born Irene Joyce Ekwall in St. Paul, Minnesota on March 2, 1931, Irene was the oldest of three children of Oscar and Pearl (nee Olson) Ekwall. Irene was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Wendell, who passed away July 4, 2023. Also preceding in death were her younger siblings, Richard (Dick) Neil Ekwall and Deanna Jeanne Ekwall. Irene was also preceded in death by three older half-sisters, Wanita, Faith and Bonnie.

Irene is survived by her five children and their spouses; Brian and Kat Saline of Scottsdale, Arizona, Molly and Ken Gallacher of Abingdon, Virginia, Carter and Julie Saline of Omaha, Nebraska, Brook and Carol Saline of Lilburn, Georgia, and Thor and Elizabeth Saline of Wheaton, Illinois. Irene was blessed to have thirteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Irene was a stay-at-home mom, supporting Wendell in his career in the insurance business and always being there for the five children. Throughout their married life the family lived in an estimated 15 houses, with each one Irene’s top priority was to make it a home. She enjoyed home decorating and was a pretty good wallpaper hanger. She had a season in her life where she loved to play bridge, hosting numerous times in her homes. The area they lived the longest was the suburbs north of Atlanta. This enabled Irene to volunteer at Northside Hospital for over 35 years, escorting patients to and from appointments. She knitted dozens of blankets for preemies which they took home with them.

Family vacations were often road trips to visit family members, back to St. Paul in the early years of their marriage to visit parents and siblings, then many states across the country to visit children and grandchildren. Irene had a great fashion sense and enjoyed shopping. She was often complimented on her outfits, with the most coveted compliment being that she doesn’t dress like an old lady.

Irene was a group leader for Community Bible Study and faithfully brought pre-school grandchildren who lived nearby with her. She and Wendell were active members of the Victors Sunday School class at Perimeter Church, attending regularly, helping arrange retreats and golf outings, and supporting and encouraging missionaries. Irene had a deeply rooted faith in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and today is a day to rejoice in that fact.