Irene Herman

Madison - Irene A. (Schenck) Herman, age 88, went to eternal peace on April 22, 2015 at Agrace HospiceCare. She was born on December 30, 1926 in Marshall, Wisconsin, the daughter of Fredrick and Anna (Hahn) Schenck.
On December 28, 1946, Irene was united in marriage to Robert L. Herman. Irene was a faithful member of Bashford United Methodist Church and sang in the choir. Irene graduated from Marshall High School in 1945. She and Bob raised eight children in Madison, encouraging them in their education and sports activities. She also supported Bob at the landscape business he built, Herman Landscape Service, Inc..

We will always remember our mother as a wonderful homemaker, a person of incredible work ethic and attention to detail. This was instilled in her and her three sisters as she grew up on the family farm, Goose Bar Ranch, during The Depression.

After retirement, Bob and Irene were a fixture at the Dane County Farmer's Market. Bob's harmonica would attract the locals for garlic, gourds, and fresh berries. They relished the social atmosphere to display their prized produce.

After Dad's death in 1993, Mother continued the tradition of the annual deer hunting trip and only missed one season in 38 years. She was the first to rise in the morning and the last to turn in at night. Even at the age of 77 she would sit in freezing temperatures from dawn till dusk without leaving her stand. Her husband would be proud that she kept up with the family tradition with her sons in the woods. Mom was very spontaneous and would drive up north at the drop of a hat to see the fall color or to a distant breakfast destination.

Irene cherished time with family, loving holidays and family reunions. Grandma welcomed each grandchild and great grandchild with great love. Each baby was a precious gift to be cuddled and adored.

All Saints Assisted Living was Irene's home for the past eight years. Mom's special puzzle corner was a great place to spend time with her. Bingo won't be the same without her! A heartfelt thanks goes out to the staff at All Saints. The love and care provided to her did was invaluable. Thank you for supporting her to the end.

Irene is survived by her eight children; Ginger (Jeff) Martell, John (Judy) Herman, Julie (Jeff) Monson, Joel Herman, Ken (Lynn) Herman, Karl Herman, Kris (Tura) Herman, and Gene (Stephani) Herman, 13 grandchildren; Jason (fianc� Michele Law) Martell, Jonas (Becky) Martell, Gina (Mike) Hillmann, Rebecca (Adam) Cairo, Brian (Katie) Monson, Elizabeth Monson, Elle, Jennifer and Cora Herman, Finn and Kaia Herman and Chase and Phoebe Herman, six great grandchildren; Trey, Silas, Ashlynn, Gavin, Roman, and Jackson, a sister; Joan (Jack) Mandt, brother-in-law; Glenn (Marilyn) Herman and two sisters-in-law; Jean Bulman and Marge Herman. She is also survived by many other loving family and friends.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Robert Herman on April 2, 1993, and two sisters; Doris (Leo) Benesch and Sylvia (Clarence) Vick.

Funeral services will be held at BASHFORD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 329 North Street, Madison on Saturday, April 25, 2015 at 11:00 am with Reverend Francis R. Deaner officiating. A visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 9:00 am until the time of services. Graveside services will be held at Medina Cemetery, Marshall on Saturday, April 25, 2015 at 2:30pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Irene to Bashford United Methodist Church, 329 North St., Madison, WI 53704 or Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711.

The family thanks the doctors and nurses at St. Mary's Hospital. Our sincere gratitude is extended to Agrace HospiceCare staff for their respect, gentle touch and understanding that guided us through this difficult time.

Dear Mom, We will love you forever. Your light will always shine bright in all of us.
Good Night Irene!

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services
3325 E. Washington Ave, Madison
608-249-6666