Irene M. Schulke's Obituary
Irene M. Schulke, age 88, of Almond, WI, passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on Sunday, April 6, 2025.
She was born on November 18, 1936 in the Town of Amherst, WI, the daughter of Herbert F. and Ruth L. (Morgan) Borchert. On September 1, 1956 Irene married the love of her life, Harlyn F. Schulke, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Amherst. Together, they built a life rooted in love, faith, and hard work, raising two sons, Richard and Kenneth, on their family farm.
Irene was the very definition of a devoted farm wife—steadfast, strong, and always ready with a home-cooked meal. She took great pride in keeping a clean and welcoming home and found joy in the simple, steady rhythm of rural life. Her vegetable gardens were a source of pride, and each season brought a flurry of canning, preserving the fruits of her labor to share with loved ones.
Though life on the farm kept her busy, Irene always made time for fun. She and Harlyn enjoyed their trips to Las Vegas with family, where they shared many laughs and made cherished memories. Closer to home, they were frequent visitors to the casinos in Nekoosa and Turtle Lake, enjoying the thrill of the slot machines and the company of one another.
In quieter moments, Irene loved to go for rides with family, soaking in the beauty of the countryside and reminiscing about days gone by. She had a heart full of kindness and her gentle presence, sharp wit, and unwavering love for her family will be deeply missed.
Irene is survived by her two sons: Richard Schulke of Almond and Kenneth (fiancée Laurie) Schulke of Almond; five grandchildren: Lindsay (Jeremy) Smith of Greenville, Alisha (Michael) Triepke of Kronenwetter, Wesley (Heather) Schulke of Almond, Tyler (Laura) Schulke of St. Paul Park, MN, and Dr. Yvonne (Cody) Witzeling of Kronenwetter; and nine great-grandchildren: Ella & Claire Smith, Olivia Triepke, Autumn & Kinley Schulke, Bridget & Fletcher Schulke, and Aurora & Barrett Witzeling.
She is also survived by her brother Herbert Borchert of Waupaca and sister Beulah Nassen-Heinz of Appleton; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Ruth Borchert; her husband, Harlyn Schulke; her sister, Lorraine (Harvey) Schulke; sister-in-law, Carol Borchert; brothers-in-law, Eugene Nassen and Eugene Heinz; and two nephews, John Lee Borchert and Darren Schulke.
A Funeral Service for Irene will be held on Friday, April 11, 2025 at 11:00 AM at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Amherst, WI. Reverend Gerhard Wilch will officiate. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday morning from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Amherst. The Jungers-Holly Funeral Home of Amherst is assisting the family with arrangements.
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