Irene (Brinkmeier) James passed on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at Marshfield Medical Center following a brief illness. She was born on October 10, 1923 in Pearl City.

Irene was a long-time member of the Apple River United Methodist Church. She enjoyed making floral arrangements for Sunday Services for many years and was an active member of the United Methodist Women.

Irene was also an officer and member of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3948 in Apple River. She and her husband Bob made several trips to Europe with the 30 ^th Infantry Division from World War II to commemorate D Day and the liberation of Europe.

Irene was also an officer and member of the Meridian Unit of the Jo Daviess County Association of Home and Community Education for many years

Irene enjoyed gardening. She loved the many friends and customers from her 35 years of work in her beauty shop, Irene James Beautorium.

Irene moved to Marshfield in 2007, which brought her back to the area where she grew up. She has had many friends among the staff and residents at The Aster Assisted Living Center these past 9 years.

She is survived by her sons Barry (Barbara) James, William (Linda) James, grandchildren; Julia Modjeski, Jennifer (Chris Martin) James, great-grandchildren Nathan, Mitchell, Leah, and Kallie Modjeski.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Robert, and her brother Glenn Brinkmeier.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM on Friday, September 22, 2017 at the Apple River United Methodist Church

A visitation will be from 9:00 until time of services on Friday at the Apple River United Methodist church.

Interment will be at West Ella Cemetery in Apple River.

A memorial has been established in her memory.