Irene Rose Shiemke

Irene Rose Shiemke, 97, of Ossineke, MI passed away Friday, December 10, 2021 at her daughter Sharon's home where she has resided for the past three and a half years.

     Irene Rose Brousseau was born May 3, 1924 in Detroit, MI to the late Leo and Rosanna (LaPlante) Brousseau.  Shortly after her birth she came to the family farm in Ossineke where she resided throughout her childhood.  Irene graduated from Alpena High School and became a linotypist for the Alpena News. On September 25, 1948 Irene married Thomas Shiemke who proceeded her in death in August of 2019.  In the summer of 1961 Irene and Tom built the Dairy Dome ice cream business in Ossineke that they owned and operated for the next seventeen years, watching scores of area children grow up.  Irene was the Crusade Chairman of the American Cancer Society fundraising, she was very dedicated to this cause which she worked on for at least twenty years, even becoming president for the Alpena Chapter.  She did her job and she did it well.  Irene helped out as an assistant cook at the Haas Hunting Camp but quickly took over as head cook in the following years.  It has been said that people joined the camp because they heard about the fabulous cook working there.  Irene worked at the Haas Camp for thirty one years before retiring in her 80's.

     Over the years, Irene and Tom enjoyed taking cruises and making four or five trips to Germany.  They were members of St. Catherine Catholic Church in Ossineke where Irene was very active in the Altar Society, even serving as president for awhile. 

     Surviving are her daughters; Sharon of Ossineke, Susi (John) Faber of Traverse City and daughter-in- law Patricia (Danny) Shiemke-Lannin of St. Ignace.  She is also survived by grandchildren; Ethan (Brittni)Faber, Kambria (Ken) McLean, Danielle Mulvena, Traci (Axel) Nix, Jamie (Sally) Collins, Kaiden Shiemke, Jaici (Jessie) Shiemke, Apryl (Reese) Faber, Gina Matthews, Danell Schaedig, Angeleah Wyman, Shaminii (Nathan) Shiemke-Lytle, Valarie (Chad), Samantha, Tanner and Kalvin (Amanda) Shiemke along with 15 great grandchildren and her adored little sister Donna(Al) Herrick.

     Irene was preceded in death by seven brothers; Theodore, Ted, Leo, Royal, Leonard, Willard, and Phyllip; her wonderful son, Tommy; precious grandsons Dustin Shiemke and Jimmy Wing and great grandson Hunter Johnson.

     Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 14, 2021 starting at 11:00 a.m. at St. Catherine Catholic Church in Ossineke until the Mass of Christian Burial at noon with Rev. John William officiating.  Irene's final resting place will be St. Catherine Cemetery in Ossineke.