Irene Theresa Michener

Irene Theresa (Stauner) Michener, 88, of St. Joseph, passed away Saturday, January 3, 2015 at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo. A mass will be held at 5:00 P.M. on Friday, January 9, 2015 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 211 Church St., St. Joseph, with Father Jim Morris officiating. Burial will take place at 12:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines, IL.  Friends are welcome to visit with the family from 2:30 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. on Friday, January 9, 2015 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.   Those wishing to sign Irene’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Irene was born June 4, 1926 in Almena, Wisconsin to Charles and Veronica (Weber) Stauner. Irene went on to earn her Associate’s Degree in General Studies from Lake Michigan College. Her love for education was lifelong. On January 31, 1948 she married the love of her life, Ray Michener. Together they raised a family of 6 children. Irene’s life revolved around her family, but she also enjoyed being a piano teacher for more than 30 years. Later in her life she became a published author of 2 books. Irene was a devout Catholic, she was a member of the bereavement committee and also a Eucharistic Minister at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Irene is survived by her sons, Ray (Kathy), Donald (Darlene), Greg and John; her daughters Jeana Willming and Betty Callahan; 8 siblings; 24 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Veronica and her husband Ray.