Irene L. Martin

Martin, Irene L. Irene fell asleep in the arms of her Savior on October 7, 2009. She was born on November 17, 1913 in Brownsville, Wisconsin to John and Mary Raasch. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Lee (Helen) Raasch, and her beloved husband and best friend, Pastor John "Hans" Martin to whom she was married for 45 years. She was a loving mother to her son, John (to whom she was also a devoted caregiver) and to her daughter, Marie (Thomas) Balistreri. She was a cherished and proud grandmother of Jenifer (Kevin) Kramer and Marisa (Fiance Carlos) Balistreri. She is further survived by her brother, Mike (Alice) Raasch, of Green Bay. WI, dear nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She is fondly remembered by the Balistreri family: Ann, Luke, Ulli, Sylvia, Amy, Mike, Ben, Becca, Alex and Jonas. Irene will be remembered and missed for her remarkable strength, compassion, spunk, wit, spirited story telling and tireless devotion to her family. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff at Brookfield Gardens, The Lutheran Home and to all the doctors and nurses in her life who helped keep the twinkle in her eye. Visitation will be Sunday October 11, 2009 from 2 - 3:15 PM at ST. JACOBI EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH (8601 W. Forest Home Ave. Greenfield, WI). Funeral Services will be held at 3:30 PM. Interment Arlington Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jacobi Ev. Lutheran Church, 8601 W. Forest Home Ave., Greenfield, WI. 53228, St. Andrew Ev. Lutheran Church, 1132 W. Oklahoma Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53215 or the American Red Cross.