Irene Miskowski, 92,

On January 23, 2024, Irene Miskowski, 92, of Stevens Point entered into eternal rest.

Born December 17, 1931, known to her siblings and friends as Ika, she was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Martha (née Treba), brother Chet Golla, sister Marge Wanta, and husband James (Jim) Miskowski.

Irene was a 1949 graduate of P.J. Jacobs High School, despite, as she told it, nearly burning down the chemistry room. Her lively and large family loved nothing more than to laugh, play and to be together. Irene and her sisters shocked at least one neighbor by being early adopters of the scandalous culottes. After high school, Irene started a long career at Sentry Insurance, retiring in 1992.

On August 13, 1955, she married the love of her life, Jim. Their life together revolved around family and friends. Jim and Irene were longtime members of St. Stephen Parish, enjoyed volunteering for Special Olympics, traveling up north and down south to Destin, Florida, and enjoyed many sporting events, including attending Badger football games and cheering on their children and grandchildren.

Irene was an enthusiastic swimmer. On Friday nights, you would find her playing card games with her girlfriends and on weekends enjoying picnics at Collins and Sunset lakes. As an avid sewer, Irene was a ready resource to repair ripped clothes or fashion a Halloween costume.

Her children have loving memories of sitting on the floor below the sewing machine where it was possible to be invited to press the foot pedal. Irene spent many nights in her sewing room among piles of fabric and projects in process that included coats, drapes, pillows, and hats.

At the height of Barbie doll popularity in the ‘60s, she had a cottage business making Barbie doll clothes. When sewing was done for the evening, we would expect next to hear the clicking of knitting needles. She combined her skills, time, and affection into mittens, slippers, sweaters, quilts, and blankets, all precious to family and friends. That is especially true of her flannel pajamas which brought great joy at Christmas. Happy Birthday, Jesus.

Whenever asked to fix something, to make something, or to care for someone, her answer was always, “Sure, I will.” Along with her loving and helpful nature, she was an inspiration to her family to emulate her “Sure I will” generosity.

She is survived by her children, Nancy (Ron) Smith, Sharon (Tom) Koss, Jon (Mary Sarnowski) Miskowski, and Chris (Tom) Orella; grandchildren, Meghann (Jason) Phillips, Aaron (Sara) Smith, Kalsea Koss, Karrah Koss, Ben (Liz) Miskowski, Kyle Smith, Sam Miskowski, Grace Orella, and Jack Orella; five great-grandchildren; and her siblings, Rita Lewandowski, Mary Ann Pavelski, James Golla, Virgnia Clausen, and Fay Schultz.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Stevens Point at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 31, 2024. Rev. Jeffrey Hennes will officiate. Visitation will be held prior to mass at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen. Burial will follow at Guardian Angel Cemetery.

The family would like to thank North Haven Assisted Living and Julie and Laura at Heartland Hospice for their loving care.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established at a later date. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.shudafuneral.com.