Irene I. (Hartenstein) McKENZIE

Irene I. (Hartenstein) McKenzie, age 86 of Mukwonago passed with her loving husband at her side on Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at Angels Grace Hospice.  Irene was born on September 3, 1933 in Hannibal, WI to Antonio and Ramona (Hendrex) Hartenstein.  

Irene grew up in small town WI with 5 siblings.   Irene began working at a young age on the farm, she worked many misc. jobs to help support the family.  She later worked as a nurse’s aide.  Irene loved many things in life:  she loved dancing, birds, deer, gardening, canning, baking and traveling.  The one thing that stood out most about Irene was her love of family.  She was best known to be the original Momma Bear.  Nothing and no one had better even try messing with her family.  She was a true protector and nurturer.  She loved them all dearly and they in turn loved her.  She will be dearly missed.

Surviving Irene are her husband of 26 years, Gerald McKenzie, Sr.; her children: Sandra (Jerry) Vines, Dawn Malison, Susan (Warren) Meyer; Gerald’s children, David (Nancy) McKenzie, Linda (Bruce) Hein, Richard (Debbie) McKenzie and Ann (Mike) Sadler; her 13 grandchildren; her 19 great-grandchildren; other relatives and a host of friends.

Preceding her in death are her parents; her 1st husband, Charles Malison; her sons, Michael Malison and Gerald McKenzie, Jr.; daughter-in-law, Malinda Malison; her 4 brothers; 1 sister and her infant brother.

The family would like to thank Angels Grace Hospice for the wonderful care they took of Irene.

Funeral Services for Irene will be held on Friday, August 21, 2020 at 4:00PM at Thelen Funeral Services (W309S4840 Commercial Drive, North Prairie—NW corner of Hwy’s 83 and 59).  Visitation will be held on Friday from 2:00PM until the time of services.  A family burial will be held at Wisconsin Memorial Park.

CDC Guidelines regarding social distancing will be adhered to,

with no congregating inside the building and no prolonged visiting.  

Wisconsin’s Mask Mandate will also be followed.

Those wishing to send a memorial’s in lieu of flowers can direct those to Christ Lutheran Church, Big Bend.  

Thelen Funeral Services of North Prairie/Genesee is honored to be assisting the McKenzie family.  262-392-4251

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