Irene P. Bell

Irene Bell, age 96 1/2, moved peacefully to Heaven on July 5, 2017, to be with the love of her life, her husband Jim. She was born to Michael and Eleanor (Hanifl) Roraff on Jan. 11, 1921 in Racine, WI. She grew up in a Catholic family in LaCrosse, graduating from St. Thomas Aquinas High School. She moved to Waupun and there met the man of her dreams. She and Jim (Wallie) Bell were married at Holy Trinity Church in LaCrosse on May 2, 1942. They were blessed with four children and 50 years of marriage. We learned by example from them what a wonderful and happy marriage looked like. Irene worked hard throughout her life, doing factory work in Waupun and Weyenberg Shoe Factory in Beaver Dam, waitressing at the Legion Bar and at Club 33 Rose Bowl with her dear friend Arlyne Hollnagel, and she was a fabulous and proud wife, mother, and homemaker. She had a strong faith and was active in the Christian Women’s organizations at St. Peter’s and St. Patrick’s Churches. She was a member of Annunciation Parish in Fox Lake. She was a top-notch cook, chef, and baker, and made her signature deviled eggs for funeral dinners and potlucks. She had a natural ability in the musical field, recently singing with the Third St. Band at the Senior Center. Her love of travel took her many places with her sister Alice and her daughters on their annual “Momster” weekends. Never being one to like cold weather she and Dad lived in Avon Park, FL for several winters to avoid any temperatures below 75⁰. She is survived by her four children and their families: son Jim (Karen) of Ft. Myers, FL, son Jerry (Lois) of Beaver Dam, daughter Judy (Greg) Hein of Beaver Dam, and daughter Jan (Allen) Bellherron of Richmond, VA, her grandchildren Jim (Sandy) Bell of Boynton Beach, FL, Jeff (Luz) Bell of Kissimee, FL, Greg Hein of Beaver Dam, and Travis (Crystal) Hein of Appleton, her great-grandchildren Jessica and Jason Bell of Florida, Abigail Hein of Beaver Dam, and Preston Hein of Appleton. Her surviving relatives include her sister-in-law Delores Bell and her many nieces and nephews. Illinois nephews Don & Dan, thank you for your many visits to her. She also will be watching over her many loyal friends, including her very special hugger Sheri Born. Her sparkle and vitality will live on at Hillside Manor where we are so grateful for the excellent care she received from her “family of angels” there. CNAs, LPNs, RNs, MAAs, Dr. Buswell-Cleary, PAs, NPs, food service workers, housekeeping, laundry, social workers, administration, activities department (Marjorie, how do we ever thank you for the past 4 years?), EVERYONE…you are all so special to us. Your constant attention to Mom’s needs was like those marvelous heated blankets… you kept her covered in warmth. You are what making a difference looks like. We are appreciative of your care for not only Mom but for our family as well. You are the best. Preceding her to Heaven were her loving husband Jim (Wallie) in 1992, her sister Alice Watters in 2014, her parents Michael in 1983 and Eleanor Roraff in 1997, other relatives, and many friends. Irene’s family will greet friends on Wed., July 19 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home, N7199 N. Crystal Lake Road · Beaver Dam, and on Thurs., July 20 at Annunciation Catholic Parish, 305 W. Green St., Fox Lake from 10:00 AM until her Celebration of Life Mass at 11:00 AM. Father John Radetski and Fathers John & Jim Bergin will concelebrate the Mass. In lieu of flowers or plants, please feel free to direct any memorials to the family as per Irene’s request. To honor Mom’s wishes, we will disburse the funds to her requested organizations, including BDACT (Beaver Dam Area Community Theatre) and Hillside Manor Activities Department. She thanks you! Mom, what you were the best at was making people feel important, valued, and loved. If anyone ever needed a hug, you were there to give the warmest, most sincere embrace. You had a sparkle in your eye, a spring in your step, and a gift of making people laugh. You lived a life full of deep love for others and it showed. You brought such joy into this world and your spirit will remain forever. We will do our best to live the life of love you did so well. Give Dad, the world’s biggest leprechaun, great big hugs for us. “Goodnight Irene, goodnight Irene, I’ll see you in my dreams.”