Irene Phipps

Irene R. Phipps Of Milwaukee. On Thursday, November 6, 2014, there was a Polka Party in heaven to welcome Irene Phipps. All kinds of music were played (as she wished) and there was much dancing (one of her passions). Irene was born on January 8, 1917, to Stanley and Agnes Gresch. She was the second of eight children. She was preceded in death by brothers Harry, Wally, Stan, and Jim, and by sisters Grace, Bernadine, and Jeanette. Irene left high school early to help support the family during the depression. On November 22, 1940, she married George H. Phipps. They had two children, G. Howard, Jr., and Nancy. When both children started school, she worked in school lunch programs until her retirement. She was preceded in death by George, daughter Nancy Rosenmerkel, and daughter-in-law Mary Casey Phipps. Irene was always careful about her appearance, seldom complained, and lifted the spirits of all around her with her optimism, sense of humor, and respect. She always saw the best characteristics in people. She was in every sense a true Christian. She will be deeply missed by son Howard and wife Mary Beth; son-in-law Ronald Rosenmerkel; brother Jim's wife Vivian; granddaughter Cheryl Floryance and husband John; grandson Lawrence Phipps, wife Diane and their son Ryan; and granddaughters Jennifer, Susan and Kristen Phipps. Her love and support will also be missed by many nieces and nephews, their children, friends and neighbors. On Saturday, November 15, a visitation will be held from 9:30 AM to 10:45 AM, at SAINT MATTHIAS CHURCH, 9306 W. Beloit Rd. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. A luncheon will follow Mass in a celebration of Irene's life. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Irene's residence, Villa St. Francis, 1910 W. Ohio Ave. 53215. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Villa's staff and to that of Vitas Innovative Hospice Care.