Irene M. (Peters) Giese

Irene “Sis” Margaret Giese [nee Peters]

Irene / Mom / “Sis was born on December 5th, 1923 in Juneau and sadly left us on May 25th. 2016 surrounded by her children. She grew up in Juneau where she worked as a letter carrier during WW II due to a shortage of “mailmen”. Being somewhat adventurous, she then took a civilian job with the U.S. Army   performing office work in post-war Japan.  When she returned to Juneau from Japan, she met and married Lawrence “Happy” Giese. Together, they raised 7 children and farmed in Clyman Township.

After “Happy” passed away in 1983, Irene resumed travel and visited New Zealand, China, Switzerland, Scandinavia and other countries. Her sister Lois accompanied her on some of her trips. Her curio cabinet is filled with interesting mementoes from her travels.

Irene was an avid bird-watcher and gardener. After retiring to their home on 10 acres at the back of the farm, she enjoyed adding color with flowering bushes along with perennials and wildflowers. Orioles, indigo buntings, and tanagers were a few of her annual visitors.  She loved to read, bowl, swim at Iron Ridge Inn and was always ready to play cards.  Her home was often filled with family & friends who came together to celebrate a holiday or special occasion with good food, laughter and sometimes a “slide” show.

She is a member of St John the Baptist Catholic Church in Clyman where she was a member of the Christian Mothers Society.

Her children include Mary Giese Frailey of Stroudsburg, PA; Patricia Giese [Robert Stapf Jr] of Johnson Creek, WI; Charles Giese [Trudy Seefelt] of rural Brantwood, WI; Jeanne Gillis [Steven] of Watertown, WI; Thomas Giese of McClusky, ND; Nancy Hartwick [Phillip] of Beaver Dam, WI and Christopher Giese of rural Clyman.  She is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Peter Gillis; Duane Hartwick [Sharon}, Abigail Henderson [Nick], Candace Hartwick; Emily Giese Derbas, Ellen Giese, Kate Waggoner [Jeff] & Robert Giese; Cameron & Cyrian Touchette Giese. Her great-grandchildren include Karma, Tristan & Madison Hartwick; Collin Koronkiewicz, Evelyn & Vivian Henderson; Micah, Grady & Benjamin Waggoner.

The family wishes to express their sincerest gratitude to the many compassionate people who helped us care for Mom: the staff at Northview Heights, Help at Home, Rainbow Hospice, WRMC primary care providers, and Trosten Haus. 

Visitation is Wednesday June 1, 2016 from 11AM-12:30PM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Clyman.  Mass of Resurrection will follow at 12:30PM at church.  Fr. Michael Irwin will officiate.  Interment Holy Assumption Cemetery in Clyman.

Mom [Irene] always kept a journal which included cherished memories as well as everyday events.  Her final entry would have read something like this:

Wed. May 25th

Sun and a few clouds this morning, expecting 80degrees today. Rain coming later, we need a good soaker. Neighbors have all the fields worked up and planted. Kids spent the night, I didn't sleep well, and anxious about my trip planned for today. I have been planning this trip for a long time and I am ready. I need the rest.

Now, she shall have eternal rest. Mom was the center of our family and the love of our life. She will be greatly missed. Memorials can be made to St. John the Baptist church in Clyman or to Alzheimer’s research. The Berndt-Ledesma Funeral Home-Juneau is serving the family.

www.berndt-ledesma.com

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