Irene Agnes Reader, age 97, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2025 at the Sky View Nursing Home in Hurley, WI.

Irene was born on March 2, 1928 in Kimball, WI, the daughter of the late Verner and Ida (Walli) Hill. She attended Hurley schools and graduated in 1946 from Lincoln High School. She was united in marriage with George W. "Gidge" Reader in 1948 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hurley, where they were parishioners.

Irene was employed at Erspamer's Super Market for many years. She enjoyed traveling, reading, cross-country skiing, and gardening. She was very talented at crafts, such as needlework, embroidery, knitting, and crocheting. She baked excellent cardamom bread, prune rolls, and donuts, and her much requested specialty, apple pie. Spending time with her family was what Irene enjoyed most.

Irene is survived by her five children; Jean Ann (Andy) Saarnio of West Chicago, IL; Margaret "Peg" (Dennis) Cossi of Ironwood, MI; George (Helen) Reader of Manvel, TX; Barbara (Dennis) Bogan of Red Wing, MN and Rita Lynk of Hurley, WI; and her 12 grandchildren and her 22 great-grandchildren, along with many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gidge in 2001; three brothers, Toivo, Arvo and Richard Hill; and her two sisters, Frances Torbleau and Aili Wiemeri.

A memorial Mass and burial will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church and Cemetery later this summer.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at the Sky View Nursing Home for their wonderful care throughout the years.