Obit: Slowiak, Irene J. (1920 - 2020)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Slowiak, Maslanka, Berdal, Husain, O’Brien, Ripley, Sproed, Zeek, Frazer, Huque

----Source: THORP COURIER 09 Dec 2020

Slowiak, Irene J. (13 Oct, 1920 – 3 Dec 2020)

Irene (Berdal) Slowiak died December 3, 2020.

After a wonderful 100th birthday celebration in quarantine filled with flowers, gifts, cake, cards and messages from all over the world and a good Thanksgiving meal, Irene lost her battle with metastatic breast cancer.

Irene was born to Andrew & Julia (Maslanka) Berdal October 13, 1920. She was raised in Boyd, WI along with her nine other siblings. She married Edward Slowiak and they farmed in Town of Worden (Clark Co.), Stanley, WI where they had four children: Betty Slowiak (late Itrat) Husain, Sherri (Jack) O'Brien, Doug (Susan) Slowiak, Jackie (George) Ripley.

They lived on the farm until 1955 when they relocated to Franklin Park, IL. Due to Edward's poor health they moved to Mesa, AZ in 1970 which was the land of orange trees, wide open deserts, and daily warm sunshine helping Ed to feel better. She was known as Amazing Irene! She was a giver with her sewing, knitting, crocheting abilities, even for the homeless. Her farming experience made her a jack of all trades and a strong woman. Irene died after a lengthy illness. She loved Jesus and her family. She was loved a by many and will be terribly missed for her wisdom in life, sense of humor and prayers for her family.

She is predeceased by her husband, Edward, to whom she was married for 57 years, also by her siblings Walter, Paul, Albin, Lawrence, Edward, Albina Jerrell, Helen Sloviak, granddaughter Kym and great- grandson Masyn Ripley.

Surviving is her sister Mina Sproed of Kelso, WA, her grandchildren Michelle (Jack) Zeek, Kristen (Andrew) Frazer, Amber (Taj) Huque, Joey Husain, Buddy Ripley, Ryan Ripley, four great-grandchildren, and three great- great-grandchildren.

Due to Covid there will be no celebration of her life until a later date. In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to make a donation in memory of Irene may be made to: Fruit of the Vine Food Pantry, PO Box 46 Stanley, WI 54768.