lipa

Lake Irene Preservation Association was established in 1982 for the purpose of joining Lake Irene's landowners to join together in maintaining the lake.

Lake Irene By Laws

Join the Lake Irene Preservation Association

It is a low-cost way to support the lake, get to know your neighbors and stay updated on lake activities.

Follow these simple steps:

Download and print this form (if paying via Venmo please email a copy of this form to admin@lakeirene.com)

Send form and $25 check made payable to LIPA to

LIPA

PO Box 153

Miltona MN 56354

Pay via Venmo

You will receive:

Updates from the LIPA board

Invitation to board events - ex: annual board meeting

Notices of upcoming activities - ex: annual 4th of July boat parade

LIPA Board members

Steve Kettler

President

Carol and I built a retirement home on the northeast side of Lake Irene in 2019, where we live year-round with my parents. Prior to that, we have been coming to the lake on an occasional basis for over 15 years.

I was born and raised in Sauk Centre, MN. My entire career involved the rural electrification industry.

Additionally, I volunteered with a number of community groups including economic development, nursing home and assisted living facilities.

Elected to the LIPA board of directors in August 2021, I enjoy working with the members of the association and the board of directors. Lake Irene is a big part of our lives and I want to see this beautiful location preserved for future generations.

Karen Cook

Secretary

My husband, Jason, and I bought our lake lot on the NW side of Lake Irene in 2010 and absolutely love this area and the community. We have spent a lot of time renovating so we can spend time here year round. We live in the Twin Cities most of the time but spend all the extra time we can at the lake. Our two kids, Lucas and Regan, don’t make it out as much anymore but have many great memories of weekends and holidays throughout their childhood.

My bachelor’s degree is in Political Science and Economics and I have a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from the Humphrey School at UMN. I am currently a law enforcement analyst at the City of Minnetonka in the City Attorney’s office.

I was elected to the board in 2024 and currently serve as secretary. I look forward to serving the community to ensure the quality of our lake and surrounding area for generations to come.

Mike Kettler

Board Member

I grew up in Sauk Centre, Minnesota and attended St. Cloud State University where I graduated with a Criminal Justice degree. My working years (35) were all with United Parcel Service holding various management positions until I retired in 2019.

My wife, Kim and I purchased a lake home on Lake Irene in 2004 and have enjoyed building many wonderful memories here. So, in 2020 we decided to make it our year-round home.

I am currently serving as the LIPA Board Secretary and the Chairman of the Lake Vegetation Management Committee. I am committed to helping improve and preserve the quality of Lake Irene for current and future generations.

Julia Strawn

Treasurer

Our summer home is on the east side of Lake Irene.

Our family has been on the lake since 1967 when my folks bought the resort then called Smitty's Hur'e Bac Resort. My mother, Evelyn, was an original founding member and secretary/treasurer of the Lake Irene Preservation Association. I have served as the association's treasurer since 2011.

Our permanent home is in Manhattan, Kansas, where I operate a bookkeeping business, Strawn & Assoc. LLC. My husband, Bob, is a retired business manager. We have two children and five grandsons who love Lake Irene.

Larry Thornton

Vice-President

My wife Jeanne and I have a home on the west side of Lake Irene. We have enjoyed may years of family, fishing and recreation at Lake Irene. We have three children and five grandchildren that also enjoy the recreation and fishing. Unlike the east side of the lake, we enjoy the beautiful sunrises. My background prior to retirement has been forty-five years in the horticultural specialty markets. In general, Turf, Trees and Aquatics. I’m looking forward to help advance the positive direction in the lake quality.

Terri Myhre

Board Member

I grew up in Granite Falls MN and married my high school sweetheart. I attended technical college in Alexandria and that’s what peaked our interest in living here someday. Steve and I bought a small cabin in 1986 with the dream that we would retire on this beautiful Lake Irene someday. We were just weekenders then as we owned a retail business in Montevideo MN for 27 years. I was also service unit manager for Montevideo Girl Scouts and served as an Admiral for the Chamber of Commerce in Montevideo. Our 2 daughters and 4 grandkids were lucky enough to grow up on Lake Irene and enjoy the recreation and excellent fishing. In 2003 we moved the old cabin off the lot and built our new retirement home. Our dream finally came true in 2017 when we retired and made this our permanent home.

In August of 2024, I was elected to the Lake Irene Preservation Association Board and also serve on the social committee. I really respect the aggressive approach LIPA has taken to improve the quality of our beautiful Lake Irene and as a board member, I am committed to continuing that effort to preserve and protect our lake for generations to come. As a member on the social committee, I will continue to promote the friendships that we have gained as lake property owners. With unity there is strength!

Darby Nosbush

Board Member

My wife Rondee and I have been Lake Irene residents in the South Bay for almost 10 years. For the first 8 years we were actively dairy farming by Fairfax, MN with my 2 brothers so we could only "vacation" here every third weekend. Last Labor Day our partnership had the opportunity to sell our business and retire. When our home by Franklin sells, we will be permanent residents on Irene. Back in Renville county I am currently a township supervisor and a former clerk.

My education includes degrees from the U of M in Ag mechanics and Farm business management. My interests are fishing, camping, classic vehicles and everything with our grandchildren.