Irene L. Paape

Irene L. Paape, age 90 of Janesville, WI passed away on December 27, 2023, at the Agrace Center for Hospice and Palliative Care. She was born October 29, 1933, on the family farm near Cedar Falls, IA, the fifth child of Walter and Marie Bast. She attended a one room country school for two years where her brother was the teacher. After the family moved to Cedar Falls, she attended the Dike school until 4th grade. She graduated from Cedar Falls High School and attended ISTC in Cedar Falls for a semester.

Irene received a degree in Education from Wartburg College in Waverly, IA. She married Edward Paape of Milwaukee, WI in 1954 at St. John Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls. They moved to Dubuque, IA where Irene taught until Ed was ordained as a Lutheran Pastor.

As a pastor’s wife Irene and the family moved to Indianapolis, IN, Hoffman Estates, IL, Janesville, WI and Menomonee Falls, WI. She taught elementary school in Schaumburg, IL; Adult and Basic Education and English as a Second Language at Blackhawk Technical College and Waukesha County Technical College. After retirement and moving back to Janesville, she volunteered at Health Net, The Literacy Connection and Friends of Hedberg Public Library. Irene was a member of First Lutheran Church.

Irene Paape is survived by three sons, Douglas (Kelly Smith) of Kimberly, WI; David (Anne Perry) of Holmen, WI; and Scott (Vickie Buhrow) of Janesville. She is also survived by five grandchildren: Eric (Michelle) of St. Germain, WI, Colin (Shawna) of Milton; Krista (Jon Trost) of Menasha; Matt of Madison, and Josh (Erin) of Chaseburg. Great grandchildren: Eddie, Will, Marcus, Morgan, Merrick, Alyssa, Addison and Gavin; and many nieces and nephews.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Edward; son, Stephen; her parents; three brothers; and one sister.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH, 612 North Randall Avenue, Janesville. Rev. James Johnson will officiate. Visitation will be from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, January 2nd at the CHURCH. Private interment will be in Milton Lawns Memorial Park. Memorials may be given to the charity of the donor’s choice or Wartburg Seminary.

The Paape family is being assisted by HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY. Online condolences may be shared at www.henkeclarson.com.