Irene Amelang

A Celebration of Life Gathering and Memorial Book Signing for Irene F. (Hernandez) Amelang will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Mitchell-Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home, Oxford, Nebraska, with the family greeting from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

A private inurnment will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at the Gothenburg Cemetery, Gothenburg, Nebraska.

Irene Francis (Hernandez) Amelang, 89 years of age, of Franklin, Nebraska, formerly of Oxford, Nebraska, passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Accura Health Nursing Home in Franklin, Nebraska. Irene was born on July 25, 1936, in Omaha, Nebraska, the fourth of nine children born to Ramon and Guadalupe Maria Mendoza (Rios) Hernandez.  Irene attended various public schools in Nebraska, as her family moved around.

Irene met Kenneth in Torrington, Wyoming, while she was working as a waitress.  On January 28, 1969, Irene was united in marriage to Kennth E. "Catfish" Amelang at Scottsbluff, Nebraska.  This union was blessed with three sons:  Edward, William Cody, and Terry.  The family made their home 18 miles north of Gothenburg, and later, at Edison, Nebraska, and finally Oxford.

Irene love animals, including horses, cats, and dogs; raising feeder mice; and her beloved Angus bull, Ace.

She will be remembered for her kind smile, and her life with her husband, Catfish.

Irene was preceded in death by her daughter, Josephine Swank in 1989; and two sons:  a toddler, William Frank Cody Amelang in 1976; and Terry Joe Amelang in 1999; her parents, Ramon and Lupi Hernandez; a grandson, Tylor Patrick; and her siblings.

She leaves to celebrate her life: her husband, Kenneth "Catfish" Amelang of Franklin; a son, Ed Amelang and wife, Heidi of rural Holdrege; grandchildren:  Mary Patrick and husband, Jeff of North Loup, Nebraska; Don "Junior" Swank of Scottsbluff, Nebraska; Raymond Swank and wife, Loris of Torrington, Wyoming; and John Swank of Torrington, Wyoming; grandchildren:  Chloe Dorenkamp and husband, Isaac of Omaha, Nebraska; Chelsea Amelang of Holdrege; and Scott Patrick and wife, Whitney of Lincoln, Nebraska; great-grandchildren:  Miriam Dorenkamp of Omaha; Jacob Swank of Torrington; and Bentley, Coltyn, Ruger, Benelli, Amelia, and Sami all of North Loup; her siblings, and in-laws; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

A memorial has been established in Irene's honor, and kindly suggested to the family for future designation.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Mitchell-Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Oxford is in charge of the arrangements.