Wilmington, IL/Fennimore, WI- Irene Luella Fritz, age 86, of Wilmington, IL formerly of Fennimore, WI died on Wednesday morning Nov. 7, 2012 at her residence in Wilmington, IL. Irene was born on Oct. 19, 1926 in Woodman, WI the daughter of Joe & Julia (Peaslee) Russell. She was united in marriage to Earl A. Fritz on Oct. 23, 1945 in Fennimore.
Irene and Earl farmed most of their lives in Grant County. After retiring from the farm they lived in town where they were the local distributors of the Wisconsin State Journal for many years. Irene was one of the charter members of Community Bible Church, later known as Trinity Evangelical Free Church. She was a long time volunteer at the Good Samaritan Center and a faithful helper in the Awana Clubs. She participated in a very active homemakers club and gave willingly of her time and energy to others. To all who knew her she was a beautiful picture of true friendship.
Irene is survived by her two daughters; Colleen (Rodney) Chappell of Coal City, IL, Camilla (Timothy) Hoak of Owensboro, KY, four grandchildren; Benjamin (Kelsey) Hoak, Aaron (Erin) Hoak, Elizabeth Chappell and Jonathan (Crystal) Chappell, eight great grandchildren; Ryan, Carter, Andrew, Taylor, Mitchell, Gabriel, and Zachary Hoak and Lunden Chappell. She also survived by two brothers; Paul (Harriet) Russell of Fennimore, and Byron (Lorraine) Russell of Viroqua, a brother-in-law; Kenneth Fritz of Ellsworth, sister-in-law; Eva Fritz of Fennimore along with many nieces, nephews, and special friends.
Irene was preceded in death by her parents, husband Earl on Oct. 14, 2005, three sisters; Genevieve, Vera, and Helen, brother; Bernard, two sisters-in-law; Leora Russell and Alice Fritz, and a brother-in-law; Carl Fritz
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 A.M. on Monday Nov. 12, 2012 at the Larson Family Funeral Home in Fennimore with burial to follow in the Boscobel Cemetery. Friends may call from 9:30 A.M. until time of service at the funeral home on Monday morning.