Irene Helen (Popelka) Mackiewicz died December 8, 2006 at Eastview Medical Center in Antigo, WI; she was 95 years old. She was born on July 29, 1911 in the town of Waukechon, Shawano County, the 6th child of 15 children born to the late Anton and Mary (Kugel) Popelka.
She was married to Edmond C. Mackiewicz on October 20, 1936 and had eleven children. The couple farmed in the town of Wolf River until they retired in 1979 to a home Ed built near the South Branch of the Oconto River. Mr. Mackiewicz died in 1985.
Irene enjoyed playing cards, reading, cooking and baking. She was a member of St. James and St. Stanislaus Congregation of White Lake and Langlade. She taught Catechism and was a member of St. Zita's Christian Mothers Society.
From 1986 to 1999 she lived in L'Anse, MI where she was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church. She lectured and was a tutor at the K-6 Sacred Heart School. Irene was a board member of Green Hill Manor while living in L'Anse, MI.
Irene is survived by nine children:
James (Sharon) Mackiewicz, White Lake;
Margaret (Henry) Lemmer, Hazlehurst
Joan (Patrick) Pratt, Langlade
Kathleen (David) Cihlar, Sturgeon Bay
Theresa (Joe Pavek) Mackiewicz, Langlade
Fran Killian, Langlade
Mary (Wayne) Fix, Tucson, AZ
Peter Mackiewicz, Aniwa
Susan (Bruce LaCombe) Brickham, DePere

A son-in-law Robert Hollon, L'Anse, MI
16 Grandchildren and 26 Great Grandchildren, 1 Great Great Grandchild.
Four brothers
Alvin (Jane) Popelka, Glenbeulah
George Popelka Richland Center
Pete Popelka Jefferson
Dr. Adrian (Marge) Popelka, Sun City, AZ
Three sisters
Dort Krause, North Fond du Lac
Patricia Peterson, Milwaukee
Marie Zambaris Dolton, IL

In addition to her husband, Ed, and her parents, Irene was preceded in death by a son, Michael Mackiewicz, a daughter Helen Hollon; a great grandson Joshua Baker; four brothers Antone Jr (Tony), Joseph, Henry (Hank), Alois (Louis) Popelka; three sisters Margaret (Marge) Richardson, Elizabeth (Elsie) Thompson and Ann Urban.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, December 14, 2006 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, Langlade, WI. Rev. Jeremiah Worman will officiate. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM Thursday at the church. Bradley Funeral Home is assisting with arrangement.

Services