Mount Pleasant – Irene Evelyn Pearl Wampole, age 84, passed away peacefully, surrounded with the love of her family, on Tuesday evening, June 26, 2018 at Oak Ridge Care Center.

Irene was born in Amherst, WI on April 9, 1934 to the late Anton and Elizabeth (nee: Hereck) Kropidlowski. On May 21, 1955 at St. Mary's of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Amherst, she was united in marriage with LaNay J. Wampole , a retired Batallion Chief from the Racine Fire Department.

Although serving her family as a homemaker was her main vocation in life, Irene was also employed as a cosmetologist for various local beauty salons. She was a member of St. Edward's Catholic Church and the Christian Women's Club. She enjoyed crocheting, cooking and visiting casinos. Above all, Irene loved spending time with her entire family.

Surviving are her loving husband of over 63 years, LaNay; their children, David Wampole of Rhinelander; Duane (Judy) Wampole of Leitchfield, KY; and Cynthia (Tim) Zarzecki of Union Grove; grandchildren, Katie Stobbe, Adam (Tala) Wampole, Mark Wampole, Josh (Amy) Wampole, Jarod (Brittany) Wampole, Sara (Remy Hilsabeck) Zarzecki, Heather (Zach Quever) Zarzecki and Rachel Zarzecki; great-grandchildren, Easton, Coy, Cade, Ty and Hadley; brothers, Stanley and John Kropidlowski; sister, Florence (Roger) Gerbig; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends – too numerous to mention by name.

In addition to her parents, Irene was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Pam Wampole; brothers, Ervin, Robert (Helen) and Leonard Kropidlowski; and sisters, Luella (Steve) Yach, Bernice (Walter) Firkus and Angeline (Joe) Skibinski.

Funeral services will be held in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at 11:00 am with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating.  Entombment will be in West Lawn Memorial Park. A reception will follow. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Tuesday from 9:30 – 11:00 am. Memorials to the Alzheimer's Association have been suggested.

Special note of thanks to Oak Ridge Care Center and to Seasons Hospice for the compassionate care and support given in Irene's time of need. May God bless all of you!

Service Details

Funeral services will be held in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at 11:00 am.  Entombment will be in West Lawn Memorial Park. A reception will follow. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Tuesday from 9:30 – 11:00 am.