Irene T. Ruenger

Irene T. Ruenger, 92, of Wausau, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at Stone Crest Residence under the care of Interim Hospice.

She was born the seventh of 20 children on April 23, 1932 in Eland to the late Clarence and Theresa (Beck) Meverden.  Irene married Raymond Ruenger on January 5, 1952 at Holy Name Catholic Church in Wausau.  He preceded her in death on August 2, 2012.

Irene was a loving mother and raised six children in the town of Hewitt.  Later in life she treasured the time spent with her numerous grandchildren.  She loved to garden and enjoyed listening and dancing to polkas.

Survivors include her children, Dale Ruenger, Don (Kathy) Ruenger, Greg Ruenger, Pam (Mark) Raduechel, Garry Ruenger, and Lana (Joe) Yakey; grandchildren, Amy (Steve) Malinowski, Nichole Ruenger, Adam (Cheri) Ruenger, Matthew (Kelly) Raduechel, Amanda (Patrick) Lind, Luke (Brittany) Raduechel, Chad Ruenger, Carl Ruenger, Jake Yakey, Max Yakey, Josh Ruenger and Jon Ruenger; great-grandchildren, Isaac (Karli) Sattler, Zac Paul, Rylee (Daniel) Robinson, Livvie (Alex Olund) Ruenger, Evelyn, Eleanor and Nolan Raduechel, Shailyn, Addalyn, Payton and Jayce Lind, Logan and Vivian Raduechel, Raymond, Braxton, Jackson and Lydia Yakey, Katie and Karl Ruenger; great-great-grandchild, Esme Olund; siblings, John (Helen) Meverden, Rose (Charlie) Radke, Dennis (Sharon) Meverden, Carol (Ed) Resch, Thomas (Sandra) Meverden, Elizabeth “Betty” Meverden, and Barbara (Doug) Praslowicz; sister-in-law, Donna Meverden; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents and husband, Ray, she was preceded in death by brothers, Irvin “Bud” (Alicia), Robert (June), Eugene (Anna), Raymond (Rosie), Henry and William; sisters, Elnora Meverden, Irma (Frank) Martin, Ruth (Chuck) Tafelski, Dorothy (Dan) Sekorski, June (Vilas) King, and Mary Meverden; daughters-in-law, Kathy and Karen Ruenger; and many in-laws.

Visitation will be on Saturday, November 30, 2024 beginning at 9:00 a.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau.  There will be a time of sharing at 11:00 a.m.  Burial will follow in Hogarty Cemetery.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

A special thank you from the family to LeAnn, Erika, Lauren, and the many staff members of Stone Crest Residence and to Interim Hospice for the care and support Irene and her family received.

Rest easy Mom, we love you.