Irene A. Jiracek

Irene Ann Jiracek, 93, Onalaska, Wisconsin, passed away on 13th March 2026 at the Mulder Nursing home in West Salem. Unable to recover from a case of pneumonia.

Irene was born on November 9th, 1932, on a farm just outside Hokah, MN, to Emile and Ann Walters.

She attended school at St. Peter's in Hokah, MN.

In the early years of marriage, they owned and operated two different taverns, (Singing Inn on Hwy 14 and Jumpy Place, old Hwy 16, La Crosse. Most of her life, she worked as a short-order cook at the old Gundersen Hospital in La Crosse.

On 2 August 1950, she married David Paul Jiracek in St Peter’s catholic church in Hokah, MN. One year later, on July 23, 1951, she gave birth to her first son, Larry David; a second son was added to the family on March 2, 1953. Growing up, the young family spent many joyful hours with friends and family at the cottage on Pettibone West.

The best part about retirement was having friends and family over. Larry & Debra Jiracek of Onalaska have two girls, Christy R (Nathaniel J. Melton), Spooner, WI, have 5 boys, Shanna E (Jonathan Priddy) of McKinney, TX, have 2 Boys and 1 Girl.

Irene was the last child of Emile and Ann Walters. Five brothers and two sisters all preceded her death.

Services will be held at Schumacher Kish on Friday, March 20. Visitation will be 10 am, service 11 am, Lunch 12 pm, and graveside 1:30.

Thanks to the staff at Mulders of West Salem for making her last days respectful.