Irene Blanke

Irene E. Blanke, 96, of Adell passed away on Tuesday evening, January 25, 2022 at Pine Haven Christian
Home in Sheboygan Falls.
Irene was born on April 20, 1925 a daughter of the late Noah and Emma (Fett) Zuengler. She attended
Emmanuel Lutheran School and graduated from Plymouth High School. On October 23, 1943 she was
united in marriage to Earl Blanke at Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Together they operated Blanke’s Store
in Adell. After 57 years of marriage Earl preceded her in death in July of 2001.
Irene was a lifelong member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Adell and was active in both church and
community affairs. For 40 years she taught Sunday School and worked with the youth at the church. She
was actively involved with 4-H for many years and with Wisconsin District LCMS youth program. In
Sheboygan County she worked with Peer Counselors in the Office of Aging and the People to People
Group. For eight years, while her mother was at Beechwood Rest Home, she volunteered her time
there.
Irene is survived by her children, Lori Cline of Adell, Steven (Linda) Blanke of Rowlette, Texas, Gregory
Blanke of Sheboygan Falls and Paul (Marla) Blanke of Midland, Michigan; many grandchildren and great
grandchildren; her sisters, Lenore Sande and Carol Schuler of Colorado and a sister-in-law, Mary Ann
Zuengler of Plymouth. Many nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive. Along with her parents
and husband (Earl) she was preceded in death by a son, David, a son-in-law, Russell Cline, a daughter-in-
law, Donna Blanke, one brother, Noah Zuengler and three sisters, Betty Beyer, Margaret Kramer and
Marion Aragon.
A funeral service for Irene will be held 2 pm, Sunday, January 30, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Adell
with Rev. Paul Marks, pastor, officiating. Visitation will be at the church, 326 Center Ave., Adell on
Sunday from 12 noon until the time of service at 2 pm. Burial will be in Emmanuel Lutheran Cemetery in
Adell.
Memorials in Irene’s name may be directed to Emmanuel Lutheran Church.
Irene’s family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to the staff of Pine Haven Christian
Home and the Sharon S. Richardson Hospice for the compassionate care she received.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com
Wittkopp Funeral and Cremation Service of Plymouth is serving Irene’s family.