Irene Alice (Johnson) Haroldson

July 14, 1935 – December 5, 2024

Irene Alice (Johnson) Haroldson of Iola passed away peacefully late Thursday night, Dec. 5, 2024, after a short illness.

Irene is survived by her husband, Leonard. She is also survived by two of her children: Ron (Jean) and Linda (Bryan); her five grandchildren: David (Maria), Kristin (Andrew), Kelly (Jess), Alexi (Ryan), and Amie (Jacob); and her four great-grandchildren: Raya, Eliza, Luella, and Olise; as well as many amazing and devoted nieces and nephews.

She was welcomed into Heaven by her parents, Ingvar and Olise, her first husband, Arvid, and her son, John, along with many other family members and friends.

Irene was born on Maalo Island in Norway on July 14, 1935, and was a loving sister to the late Eddy and Anny. As the youngest in a close-knit family, she embodied everything good and pure in life. Her love of people, nature, and life itself helped her navigate many different chapters. Irene never shied away from hard work and took pride in doing things well – whether in her jobs, taking care of the home and family, or in her passion for yard work and gardening. Her vibrant personality was matched by her sparkly wardrobe, always brightening the day of those around her. Irene had a special way of making everyone she met feel valued and loved, spreading kindness wherever she went.

Guided by unshakable faith and boundless love, she had many accomplishments, all of which she approached with dedication and care. Everything she did was with great love for her family and others, and she cherished time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Irene had a creative side to her, too, and enjoyed expressing her memories and admiration for life and loved ones through thoughtful cards, poems, songs, and even two books. Irene’s journey was blessed, and she would be the first to admit it. She would always take the opportunity to share a story with you, if you had the time to sit and listen, and in turn delighted in hearing every detail of your life, no matter how small. In her later years, Irene continued to find joy, friendship, and comfort from all those who surrounded her.  Irene ended her journey with hope, love, and family by her side, in her thoughts, and in her heart.

As we say goodbye to Irene, Irene says to us all (while rubbing our hands), “Thank you, and God love you.”

The Funeral Service for Irene will be held at Hitterdahl Lutheran Church in Iola on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024, at 11 a.m. The Rev. Dale Wilson will officiate. Visitation will be held at the church on Tuesday from 9:30-10:45 a.m. The interment will be in the Hitterdahl Lutheran Cemetery.

The Family would like to especially thank: Dr. Heather Gruzinski, Pastor Dale Wilson, Mark Olson at Voie Funeral Home, Iola Ambulance Services, Theda Clark – Waupaca & Neenah, and Irene’s dear friends Shayla Ambacher, Doris Tetzlaff, and Carl Boettcher.
Instead of flowers, a memorial fund has been established to Hitterdahl Lutheran Church in memory of Irene.