Irene Lavern Heeringa

Irene LaVern Heeringa, age 96 of Waupun, went to her heavenly home on Thursday, November 10, 2016 at the Christian Home in Waupun.

Irene was born on February 6, 1920 in the town of Alto, a daughter of Henry and Bessie (Alsum) Redeker. She attended schools in Columbia County and graduated 8th grade Christian School. She worked in several factories, 19 years being at Koplin Manufacturing of Fox Lake. Irene was an organist at First Randolph Christian Reformed Church starting at the age of 14 and continued many years and was also a pianist for the men’s chorus. On October 13, 1939 she was united in marriage to Louis Heeringa at First Randolph Christian Reformed Church in East Friesland. She and Louis lived in Sheboygan for 6 years where 2 of her daughters were born, Barbara and Mary. They then moved back to the Randolph area where their son Lloyd was born. After retiring, Irene spent some time volunteering and making quilts for those in need.

Irene is survived by her 3 children, Barb Stiemsma of Fond du Lac, Mary Rigg of Chelan, WA and Lloyd (Joyce) Heeringa of Sunnyside, WA; 9 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; 6 great great grandchildren; 2 sisters, Norma Smedema of Randolph and Odeline Terborg of Orland Park, IL; a brother, Harold (Cynthia) Redeker of Waupun; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, a sister, Leona (Harold) Cupery and two brothers-in-law, George Smedema and George Terborg.

Visitation for Irene will be held from 9:00 A.M. until the hour of service on Thursday, November 17, 2016 at First Randolph Christian Reformed Church, N8879 East Friesland Road, Friesland.

A celebration of Irene’s life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, November 17, 2016 at First Randolph Christian Reformed Church, with Pastor Jeff Brower officiating. Burial to follow at Friesland Cemetery.

A memorial fund has been established in Irene’s name.