Irene Lucille Engelman, 91, Pittsville, passed away on Monday, August 13, 2018 in the Emergency Room of Marshfield Medical Center surrounded by her family.

Funeral Services will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Pittsville on Monday, August 20 at 11:00 am.  Visitation will be Sunday evening from 4-7 pm at Buchannan/Rembs Funeral Home in Pittsville, and 1 hour prior to the service on Monday at the church.

Irene was born on November 8, 1926 in the Town of Hansen, Wood County, to Kurt and Florence (Griffin) Zellmer.  She attended Natwick School in Vesper and was a 1944 graduate of Pittsville High School.  She married her high school sweetheart, Robert E. “Bud” Engelman on August 6, 1947 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Pittsville.  Together they raised 4 children: Robert, Cheryl, Karen, and Susan. They were blessed to celebrate 66 years of marriage before his death in 2013.

Irene was a dedicated homemaker.  She enjoyed cooking and was known for her amazing chocolate cake.  She was a 4-H youth leader and taught many children how to cook and prepare entries for the Central Wisconsin State Fair. Her time outdoors was spent with yardwork and gardening.  Many of the fresh fruits and vegetables ended up being home canned or frozen. She diligently worked alongside her husband, assisting with office work for his insurance business.

In their retirement years, Irene and Bud enjoyed snowmobiling in the winter and were members of the Vesper Snowdrifters Snowmobile Club.  Summers would find them in their camper at various parks or at the Fluegel campground with friends. They also spent much time exploring the United States including Alaska and Hawaii, and once embarked on a cruise to Venezuela.  It seemed wherever they went Irene said she had a cousin to visit.

Though travel took her away, home forever remained in Pittsville. Irene was a long-time member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and she helped Bud with the church books for many years. She was active with the local PTA and Music Boosters clubs while her children were in school.

Irene took great joy in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and spent many hours playing cards and dice with them and watching them grow.  Some of her most special memories were the girls stopping by to show their lovely prom and homecoming dresses.

Irene is survived by a son, Robert of Ringle, and two daughters, Karen (Rodney) Friedrichsen of Marshfield and Sue (Paul) Behselich of Pittsville.  She is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Jennifer, Dennis, Tami, Kelly, Jason, Jeremiah, Angie, Jeff, Brian, Kate, and Scott, and 11 great grandchildren.  She is further survived by a sister-in-law, Mae Kester of Biron.

Irene was predeceased by her parents, husband “Bud”, daughter Cheryl, 3 brothers and 1 sister.

Memorials may be designated to the Pittsville Fire Department.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rembsfh.com