Irene L. Knetter

Irene L. Knetter, 98, Wausau, passed away peacefully knowing God was by her side on Monday August 15, 2022 at Copperleaf, Weston.

She was born October 15, 1923, in the town of Mosinee, daughter of the late Joseph and Cecelia (Skrzypchak) Lepak, Town of Cassel. She grew up on their family farm with three sisters and seven brothers. On November 4, 1944, she married Clarence Knetter at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Cassel.  He preceded her in death on 11/28/1986.

Irene and Clarence moved to Wausau where they raised six children and sent them to catholic school at Holy Name of Jesus. As a couple, their time together was often spent at the local dance halls where they would polka and waltz. Irene was a meticulous homemaker and loving mother who was an example of kindness and caring, and provided a positive impact for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

As  a dedicated member of Holy Name of Jesus Parish, she was an active member of the Prayer Group and St. Catherines Council.  She prayed the rosary daily.

Some of her favorite activities were taking her daily hikes, going out to dinner for a  Friday fish fry with family and friends, bus trips to events, and watching her grandchildren play hockey, soccer, and baseball. She was a true Brewer baseball, and Packer football fan.

Survivors include four sons, Thomas (Barbara) Knetter, Deforest, WI;  Jerry Knetter, Evansville, WI;  Mark (Beth) Knetter, Wausau;  Pat Knetter, Kronenwetter;  Sons-in-Law, Scott Durand, Boulder Junction;  Jerome Schilling, Wausau;  Two Sisters, Caroline (Carol) Mason, Marathon; Evelyn (Richard) Imhoff, Racine, WI;  Two Brothers, Jerome Lepak, Big Bend, WI;  Kenneth Lepak, Edgar.

She was a  remarkable grandma to nine grandchildren, Erin (Jonathan) Matta; Erik (Amber) Knetter;  Ann Knetter;  Naomi (Jason) Holzmann;  Brent Schilling;  Brady Schilling; Derek Knetter;  David (Morgan)  Knetter;   Kelly (André) Carriveau.  She was also blessed with seven great grandchildren, Ellison, Nolan, & Leighton Matta,  Lucy & Wyatt Knetter, Mira & Dean Holzmann.

Besides her parents and Husband, she was preceded in death by two Daughters, Judy Durand and Nancy Schilling;  A Sister, Violegene Parlier; five Brothers, Raymond Lepak, Thomas Lepak, Marvin Lepak, Franklin Lepak and Norman Lepak;  Two Daughters-in Law, Julie Knetter;  Laurie Knetter.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated 9:30 a.m. Friday August 19, 2022 at Holy Name Catholic Church, Wausau.  Rev. Samuel Martin will preside.  Entombment will be in Memorial Chapel Mausoleum, Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau.  Visitation will be on Friday from 8:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com