Irene Hermina (Medvecz) Mertens , 96, passed away February 8, 2025 at Willowdale Health Services, New Holstein Wisconsin. Born July 21, 1928 in Marathon County, Wisconsin, to Stephen and Ethel (Tatoi) Medvecz. Irene's parents were from Hungary.

Irene graduated from Wausau High School. She attended Central State Teachers College in Stevens Point, WI for a rural school teaching license. She completed her BS degree from Silver Lake College and her Masters Degree from UW Milwaukee.

On June 30, 1951 she was united in marriage to James P. Mertens in Wausau, WI. James preceded her in death on February 4, 2021. They shared almost 70 years of marriage.

Irene taught elementary and middle school grades in Fond du Lac County and Kiel parochial and public schools for 39 years. She served on Wisconsin Education Association Council committees in Madison, WI for 14 years. She also served on the School Board and Parish Council for SS. Peter & Paul Parish in Kiel, WI.

She was a member of PDK, Home and Community Education Club of Manitowoc County Extension, Christian Mothers Club of SS. Peter & Paul Parish, Toast Masters and card clubs. She and Jim traveled worldwide including Mexico, Panama, Fiji, China and throughout Europe.

Irene is survived by her children Mary Marren of Chicago; Darlene (Gary) Balgord of Madison; Joseph (Kelly) Mertens of Kiel; Steven (Terri) Mertens of Berthoud, Colorado, and Anthony (Wendy) Mertens of New Holstein; and grandchildren Mary Eileen Marren, Brian (McKayle) Marren, J. J. Marren (Lauren Orth), Sarah (Matt) Balgord- Stran, Elizabeth (Cameron Colburn) Balgord-Colburn, Megan Balgord, Joshua (Jessica) Mertens, Jacob Mertens, Jolene (Sam) Blankenship and David Mertens. Irene is further survived by her great-grandchildren, Harper Roy, Max Marren, Jackson Mertens, Juliana Mertens, Jonathon Mertens, Jaden Mertens, Cora Balgord, Beckett Balgord, Charlotte Stran, Winona Stran, Elizabeth Blankenship and Willow Blankenship, and sister-in-law Agnes Medvecz.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her siblings James Medvecz, Mike Medvecz, Steven (Violet) Medvecz, Joseph Medvecz, Ethel (Andrew) Medvic; and her son-in-law John Marren; and grandson Benjamin Balgord.

The family thanks the Calumet County Hospice staff and the staff at Willowdale Health Services.

Funeral Services for Irene will be held at 11:00AM on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church Kiel. The family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Wednesday from 9:00AM to 10:45AM. Burial will follow the service at SS. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Mueller Road, Kiel WI.

Family, friends and former students are invited to Yard 65 Brewery, 703 Fremont Street, Kiel WI following the service.