Irene Lewis

Pleasant Prairie – Irene Lewis, 91, passed away at St. Catherine’s Hospital on Thursday, June 2, 2016.  She was born in Racine, Wisconsin on September 21, 1924, daughter of the late Julia (nee:  Belak) and Anton Sinsky.

She attended St Catherine’s High School, Class of 1942.  She graduated from Marquette University with a B.S. in nursing in 1946.  She raised 5 children and worked as a public health nurse in Racine.  She was married to her husband, Robert Lewis, for 63 years.  He died in 2009 at 90 years old.  Her family was foremost in her life.  She cooked fabulous meals for them, tended a beautiful garden, became a topnotch quilter, sang in the St. Paul’s Church Choir, was an avid bicyclist, and world traveler.  She volunteered at Meals on Wheels and Ridgewood Care Center.  She was a member of several quilting groups and St. Paul the Apostle Church. Her kindness and positive attitude touched all who knew her.

Irene will be missed by her 5 children, Patricia A. Lewis of Flint, Michigan, Dr. Michael (Paulette) Lewis of McFarland, Ann (John) Ruetz of Nashotah, Jane (Mickey Maier) Lewis of Milwaukee, and Mary Kay (Dr. Bruce) Kempken; 9 grandchildren, including Michael (Katie) Ruetz of Whitefish Bay, Julie (Ryan) Walsh of Madison, Amy (Benjamin) Bechwar of Hartland, Anthony Chojnacki of Milwaukee, Robert Kempken of Twin Lakes, Will (Laura Jacobson) Maier of Portland, Oregon, Rose (Josh) Hartman of Eugene, Oregon, Andrew (Stephanie McDonnell) Maier of Madison and Molly Maier of Madison and great grandchildren Graeme Walsh, Cameron Ruetz, Adelle McDonnell, Jolyon Maier and Miles Maier; her brother Dr. John (Regina) Sinsky of New Berlin as well as cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The memorial mass for Irene Lewis will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 10, 2016 at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6400 Spring Street, with the Rev. Terry Huebner officiating.  Visitation will begin at the church at 9:30 a.m.  Interment services at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery will be private.  Memorials to St. Catherine’s High School; Meals on Wheels; or your favorite charity have been suggested.