Crystal “Chris” E. Irvin, 85 of Austin, died Thursday evening at ComFortcare Center in Austin. She was born in rural Freeborn County on Oct. 23, 1928, to Ben and Amanda (Sathre) Christianson. She attended school in Stewartville. On June 7, 1947, she married Paul Irvin in Austin. Chris was a dedicated homemaker who loved raising her children and taking care of her and Paul’s home.

Chris volunteered at several different organizations, including the Austin Historical Society. She enjoyed playing music on the piano, organ and accordion. She also liked fishing, doing and teaching ceramics, and needle point.

Chris is survived by her husband of 67 years, Paul Irvin Sr. of Austin; children, Lavonne McCarthy of Canton, Minn.; Paul (Linda) Jr. of St. Peter, Minn., Darlene Hoffman of North Mankato, Minn.; Debra (Craig) Lewison of Janesville, Wis.; seven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; a sister, Wilma “Babe” Cooper of Arvada, Colo., and nieces.

Chris is preceded in death by her parents, a daughter, Sharon Kay Irvin, two sisters and three brothers.

A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30, 2014, at St. Augustine Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29, 2014, at Mayer Funeral Home with a wake service starting at 7:30 p.m., and another visitation at St. Augustine Catholic Church starting at 10 a.m. the day of the funeral. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.