Date : 10 Jul 2009
Location : St. Mary's Cemetery, Burlington, WI
BURLINGTON
Irene Mary Barbian, 90, passed away at her home on Sunday, June 28, 2009, surrounded by her family. She was born January 14, 1919, in Wheatland Township, to the late William E. and Florence E. (nee: Holtzheimer) Kretschmer. Irene spent her early life on the family farm in Wheatland and attended St. Alphonsus School. On January 21, 1939, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in New Munster, Irene was united in marriage to Harry Paul Barbian. Following marriage, they resided in Burlington. After 65 years of marriage, Harry preceded Irene in death on August 16, 2005. Irene had worked for Burlington Mills, then Burlington Brass, and retired from Wisconsin Southern Colony. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Burlington. Irene was very devoted to God, her church, and her family. She was the matriarch of the family, always keeping in touch with her children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren, and remembering them in her prayers.
Survivors include her loving children, Dennis (Carol) Barbian of Missoula, Mont., Dale (Brenda) Barbian of Newport News, Va., David (Linda) Barbian of Grants Pass, Ore., Darlene Barbian-Zarnstorff of Burlington, and Dean (Jane) Barbian of Racine; 17 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; siblings, Dorothy (Syl) Elmer of Spring Green, Bill (Maxine) Kretschmer of Burlington, and Richard (Betty) Kretschmer of Spring Green; and a sister-in-law, Mary Lou (Clayton) Kretschmer. Irene was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; an infant son, Joseph; brothers, Jerome, Clayton and Joseph Kretschmer; and by sisters, Peggy Bernardi, Matilda Bobula, Kay Moran, and Nancy Kretschmer.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, July 10, 2009, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Burlington with Rev. Jeff Thielen officiating. Private burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the family at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials to either St. Mary's Parish; or Hospice Alliance, 10220 Grand Prairie Boulevard, Pleasant Prairie, Wis. 53150, have been suggested. SCHUETTE-DANIELS FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY 625 Browns Lake Drive Burlington 262-763-3434 www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com
Racine Journal Times - Jul 8, 2009
