Irene has lived in the Midwest all her life. She grew up on a dairy farm near Sycamore, a northern Illinois farm town. After graduating in 1972 from Illinois State University with an elementary education degree she began teaching in Bloomington Public Schools. She has changed jobs from a 6th grade teacher to a Learning Disabilities teacher.She taught 5-12 year old boys and girls from many diverse backgrounds for 33 years. She retired from that wonderful career May, 2005.

Also, in 1972 she married Ray DenBesten. They invested in the strong Bloomington-Normal real estate market. The apartment buildings, houses, and office building have been good investments with consistent increasing value. They are examples of living and breathing real estate in this area.

They now have two married daughters Carol Yee and Cathy Miller. Through their children’s activities a knowledge of the community was gained. As youngsters Bloomington Parks and Recreation, the Miller Park Junior Zookeeper Program, Prairie City Soccer League, Bloomington Public Schools academic and sports programs, McLean County 4-H, and 4-Seasons Sports Club provided rich activities for them to learn skills and build relationships.

Second Presbyterian Church membership also strengthened the family as well as created more relationships with friends. Over the years, this church provided multi-aged quality activities for all to be involved in such as choir, camps, women’s groups, couple’s groups, and Bible studies. Irene is currently serving as an Elder on the Session. Other fellowship opportunities in the community were Cursillo weekends and Marriage Encounter weekends. Young Life of McLean County provided wonderful Christian fellowship for Carol and Cathy as teenagers, as well as Ray and Irene for their membership on the Committee.

Irene’s hobby has always been sewing. Many miles of thread have gone through her Bernia sewing machine. She makes clothing items, home decorative items, and quilts. The serger and sewing machine are always set up for a project. The Sewing Studio in Normal is her favorite fabric shop.

Technology is a second hobby. Her computer skills have proven helpful in finding properties for customers on the local Multiple Listing Website, For Sale by Owners Website, and the McLean County Tax Assessors Website. Computers do not intimidate this 54 year old.

Her philosophy on life is “It’s gotta be fun!” There is always a positive to everything that happens. And, all problems can be solved. In real estate, she says, “All property sells!”

Email: Irene@DenbestenRealEstate.com