Irene Ruesink

Irene Ruesink, age 94, passed away August 12, 2025 in Peoria, AZ.

Irene Ruesink was born December 14, 1930, in the Town of Alto in Fond du Lac County. She is the youngest daughter of William and Esther Neevel Glewen. Irene attended Waupun schools, graduating from Waupun High School in 1948. Irene then attended St. Agnes School of Nursing, and earned a degree as a Registered Nurse, working in various hospitals and nursing homes throughout her career.

She and her husband Lawrence lived in Madison in 1953, West Bend, WI in 1955, Lombard, IL in 1958, Wisconsin Rapids, WI in 1966, Grafton, WI in 1976, and Rocky River, OH in 1982. She and Lawrence moved back to Waupun in 1994 upon retiring, and in 2021 moved to her final earthly home in Sun City, AZ to live with her daughter, Carrie, and her son-in-law, Jack.

As a mother and grandmother, Irene valued traveling to see her children and grandchildren in Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin. She enjoyed traveling with Larry to several countries, and vacationed to many midwestern lakes, where fishing was an activity for the entire family. She relaxed by reading, singing, and listening to hymns. Irene was an avid gardener and a wonderful cook, applying her creativity with the dishes she prepared. Her patience and calm demeanor were admired by her family, and those she came to know. In her retirement years, Irene was an active member of Trinity Reformed Church, and volunteered her time with the Waupun Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. She was the prayer warrior of her family, and her faith in the Lord Jesus was the essence of her life.

Irene is survived by her four children: Mike (Sherrill) Ruesink of Kalamazoo, MI, Steve (Karleen) Ruesink of Prior Lake, MN, Carrie (Jack) Vande Zande of Sun City, AZ, and Mark (Shari) Ruesink of Lapeer, MI; nine grandchildren: Seth (Laura), Leah, Ethan (Megan), Tim (Abby), Caleb, Ben (Madison), Margaret, Meredith (Nathan), and Elizabeth; five great-grandchildren: Olivia, Everett, Otto and Ellis (Ethan and Megan), and Eveline (Seth and Laura).

Irene was preceded in death by: her parents, William and Esther; her husband, Lawrence; a brother, Lester Glewen; three sisters: Velma Gartner, Helen Zoellner, and Jean Vande Zande; and one great grandchild, Eloise Ruesink (Ethan and Megan).

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, August 24, 2025 at 5 p.m. at Werner-Harmsen Funeral Home in Waupun with Pastor Calvin Vande Zande officiating. Visitation will be held on Sunday at the funeral home from 3 p.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Bible League International or Wycliffe Bible Translators.