Jean Carol (Hoffman) Irish
June 4, 1935
Jean Carol (Hoffman) Irish was born on June 4, 1935, to Earl and Beatrice Hoffman with sisters Marion, LaVon, Lois, and JoAnn and Wyleen (Eunice) eight years later. The six sisters gathered with their families for holidays at the Hoffman home in Lancaster, and all the grandchildren vividly remember the sisters “debating” — solving the problems of the world.
Jean met Ken Irish in HS at Lancaster and tells the story of smashing an ice cream cone in his face on their first “date”, but they soon became high school sweethearts. Jean worked for Burlington Northern Railroad in Chicago while Ken attended University of Iowa until they married Nov. 3, 1956. They welcomed children: Pamela (Myhre), Dan, Tom, Gary and Rob.
“Have suitcase will travel” — Jean and Ken loved travel with Jean as “chief map reader and navigator” — to all 50 states, Canada, Jamaica, Mexico and Bahamas. “Out west” yearly for hot springs, hiking trails and waterfalls. A month long, 10,000 mile Alaska adventure with the Millens in a small motor home. With her sisters to PA, MA, ME. To CA with sister Lois, and son Rob. She was the driver on trips with Pam, thru the ‘streets of San Francisco’, six lane freeway traffic in Los Angeles and the whole city of San Diego! In the 70’s Jean and Ken became official snowbirds, moving to Fort Pierce FL for 6 months/year. So much joy — fishing, shrimping, arcading, shopping and walking the beach. Often with Jean Doster and Jean Peppers — the infamous three Jeans! Back in Wisconsin, she loved to cook for family: big breakfasts, her “cavajeanie” and stuffed pizzas, not to mention Brandy Slushes.
“How can I help?” Jean lived a life of service at their family business with the Schiffmans - River of Lakes Resort in Bagley, manning the store, cleaning cabins and all laundry for 12 cabins every weekend, cooking for her family and a multitude of others who just “showed up at lunch time!
She was a second mom to SO many at the resort! She taught CCD at St. Marys for years. She co-taught Impressionist Art with Charlene Osterhaus. She co-authored the published book “Bagley History Through the Years”. Was an active member of the Homemakers’ group in Bagley.
“A woman of many talents” Jean handmade individual Christmas ornaments for all her kids and grandkids for many years! She crafted: making candles, string art and macramé, crocheting, sewing curtains and gift bags and Barbie/GI joe clothes. Puzzled with crosswords daily. Jean loved the theater, especially APT in Spring Green. Loved the beach and ocean, and walking the jetty. Loved music, especially Ray Conniff singers, Neil Diamond and Elvis’s gospel music and encouraged all her kids to join band and choir and take piano lessons.
Survivors — who miss her dearly already — include her husband, Ken and sister Wyleen (Clark) High. Children: Pam (Scott) Myhre, Dan (Char) Irish, Tom (Lori) Irish, Gary Irish, Rob Irish. Eleven grandchildren: Nathan Myhre, Andrea (Brandon) Day, Marc (Cari) Myhre, Sidra Amadon, Danyael Irish, Kelli (Charlie) Spaeth, Logan (Trinity) Irish, Tanner Irish, Blaine (Marissa) Irish, Danny Bo Irish and Caleb Irish. Greats include: Eli and Nora Day, Kenzie Myhre, Chloe and Carson Spaeth, Ellington and Kian Irish, Madelyn Irish.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bloomington, on Saturday March 22, at 1 p.m. with Father Sudhakar Devarapu officiating.
Visitation will be on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the mass time of 1 p.m. and a luncheon to follow. Family burial with be held at a later date. Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Bloomington is assisting the family.
Online condolences: www.martinschwartzfuneralhomes.com
