IRENE DZIESINSKI

Irene Helen Grezlak was born on Nov. 24, 1927, to Walter and Martha (Kocan) Grezlak and spent her youth on the family farm in Hawks with her siblings, Walter, Marie, Jennie and Edward. One evening at Bolton bar she shared the first of many, many dances with Chester, love blossomed, and they were married on Oct. 24, 1947. Over the next few years, the young couple worked and saved for a home of their own which they built in 1951. In the ’50s, three children, Ken, Alan, and Judy arrived, and Irene took on the challenging tasks of raising the kids, maintaining the house, cooking, cleaning and doing whatever was necessary to keep the family happy. Chester preceded her in death on March 31, 2017. Irene also was active in, St. Mary Catholic Church, the Daughters of Isabella, AARP, American Legion Post 65 and volunteered at the Hospital Gift shop. There was always an event on the horizon whether it was card night with the ladies in the parlor, a dance at the K of C Hall, a trip to the casino where the slot machines trembled at her arrival, planning or attending family gatherings, and taking vacations with Chet.

With the kids grown and gone with children of their own, Irene went from super mom to super grandma. Like a lot of women of her generation she was most pleased when her family was cared for and happy. As fate would have it Irene’s golden years were tarnished with the onset of dementia. She slowly faded into a world that was not of her own making. Irene, however, was still a joy to be with. She laughed, shared memories, and reminded us all what a gift life truly is.

Irene is survived by her children, Ken and his wife Joanna, Alan and his wife Sandra, and Judy Piersma; along with seven grandchildren, Tracy, Tyler (Gaby), Leandra (Steve), Jaime, Amberly, Adam and Lucas; and brother Edward Grezlak.

She was predeceased by her siblings, Walter Grezlak Jr., Marie Odie, and Jennie Grezlak.

Visitation will take place at the Bannan Funeral Home Tuesday from 3-8 p.m. with a parish prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue Wednesday at St. Anne Church of All Saints Parish from 10 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. with Reverend Joseph Muszkiewicz officiating.

Interment: Holy Cross Cemetery

Memorials: Charity of Choice or Hospice of Michigan