Irene Lillian Stone-Wittke

Racine – Irene Lillian Stone-Wittke (nee: Becker), 86, went Home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, September 16, 2009. A lifetime resident, she was born in Racine on November 3, 1922 to the late Adolph and Luella (nee: Schlender) Becker. A graduate of William Horlick High School, Irene was employed by St. Luke’s Hospital, Hamilton Beach and Western Publishing. Irene was united in marriage with Raymond G. Stone. Tragically, just prior to the birth of their eighth child, Ray died of a heart attack at the young age of 38 in November of 1955. Many years later, she married Gordon D. Wittke, who preceded her in death in January of 1994. Irene was a faithful member of Grace Lutheran Church where she was a member of the Ladies Guild. Among her interests, she enjoyed gardening, camping, bowling, dancing – especially Polka, hosting family gatherings and attending various functions at the Deutscher Manner Verein. Above all, Irene was extremely family orientated who was passionate about being a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Surviving are her children, Dennis (Karen) Stone, Janice Winch-Stone, Wayne (Donna) Stone, Mark Stone and Mary Renteria; daughter-in-law, Rae Ellen Stone; grandchildren, Davina (Dr. Joe) Fanciuolu, Carrissa (Bruce) Yanke, Kathryne (Craig) Parson, Steve Winch, Rebecca (David) Moody, Michael (Ashley) Winch, Elizabeth Stone, Michelle (Brian) Zielinski, Daniel and Erik Stone, Jackie (Jesse) Johnson, Neal Stone, Natalie and Noelle Renteria; great-grandchildren, Rachel and Christina Fanciuolu, Isabella Yanke, Rowan Parson, Bryce Johnson, Leah and Tyler Winch, Arianna Greco, Lidia Zielinski, Sydney Johnson, Caiden Stone and Carter Langdon; many special nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name. In addition to her parents and husbands, Irene was preceded in death by daughters, Shirley and Doris Stone; son, David Stone; son-in-law, Roy Renteria; granddaughter, Angela Stone; sisters, Carol Smith and Jeanette Behling; and brother, Lawrence Becker. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at 11:00 am in Grace Lutheran Church, 3700 Washington Avenue, with Rev. Randal A. Poppe officiating. Interment will follow in Country Haven Cemetery. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Monday from 5-8 pm and in the church on Tuesday from 10-11 am. In honor of Irene’s 10-year struggle with Alzheimer’s, memorials to the Alzheimer’s Assn. has been suggested. A heartfelt note of thanks to the entire staff of Ridgewood Care Center and Hospice Alliance for the compassionate care and support that was so warmly extended to our Mother. May God bless all of you!