Irene G. (Zijlstra) Faber

Irene (Ieke) Gretsche Faber, 90, Ringle, passed away on Monday, May 27, 2024 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

She was born March 9, 1934 in Leeuwarden, Netherlands, daughter of the late Anne and Pietje (Wouda) Zijlstra. In 1955, she married Bill (Wilt) Faber in Holland. He preceded her in death on October 25, 2009.

Irene and Bill with their first-born son, Jack took a brave step to immigrate to the United States in 1958 in hopes of seeking out new adventures. This adventurous spirit was encouraged as she always said, “Do things while you can and are able to do so.” Eventually, they found Central Wisconsin to be their home away from home. It was here where she took great pride in raising her family of four. She left a lasting impression on anyone that she met for her feisty, witty and unfiltered personality. She loved her Poker nights, Yahtzee games and Left Center Right dice games. It was during these games where her competitive spirit shined. She definitely expected to win at all times and if she wasn’t; look out! Besides that, she enjoyed fishing, sitting in her yard, simply watching the birds and playing with her cats, Melody and later on, Cocoa. She was very proud of her Dutch heritage and passed that pride on to her family members; particularly: Pickled Herring, European Eels, Gouda Cheese, Oliebollens, Bahmi, Tulips, Delft Blue Pottery, Klompen (wooden shoes) and speed skating. She loved to tell stories of her life in Holland and of her travels back there to visit family. Her thick, Dutch accent was never lost and most people besides her children needed a translator to understand her.

Survivors include four children, Jack (Connie) Faber, Ringle, Patty (Joe) Barrick, Hatley, Hilda (Dan) Ericksen, Merrill and Wilt (Diane) Faber, Ringle; eight grandchildren, Jacqualine Faber, James (Kayla) Westphal, Jessica (Brett Garvin) Barrick, Justin (Melissa) Barrick, Jason (Elizabeth) Barrick, Joshua (Tami) Wienke, Tyler (Samantha) Faber and Jordan (Morgan Bever) Faber; and ten great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Walker, Benjamin, Levi, Ansel, Jackson, Jacob, McKenzie, Macy and Morgan.

Besides her parents and husband Bill, she was preceded in death by one grandson, Jake Wienke; two brothers, Henny Jansen and Sake Jansen; and one sister, Hielkje Wietses.

The family would like to express that they are very lucky to have had Irene for all of these years and know that she is now at rest with her late Moeder (Mom). Also, a special thank you to all of the compassionate doctors, nurses and caretakers that have assisted with her care.

Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 7, 2024 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com