Irene M. Gagas Passes Away

Irene M. Gagas, age 80 of Stevens Point, died Wednesday February 11, 2015, at Ministry St. Joseph Hospital in Marshfield. Irene was born on October 23, 1934, in the town of Stockton. She was the daughter of the late Frank & Bertha (Waisbrot) Repinski.

Irene graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy High School in 1953. Her marriage to Donald Gagas took place on October 2, 1954 at St. Peter Catholic Church.  After their marriage, the couple settled on the family farm in the town of Sharon and farmed for 60 years. She was a lifetime member of the Sacred Heart Rosary Society Rose #8 and also served as past president.

Irene was famous for her apple pies, baking and canning the garden’s bounty. She actively participated in all the farming activities, but her favorite was driving the tractor for baling hay. At the age of 80 Irene continued to do the farm bookkeeping without a computer. She also liked to patrol the farming activities in her golf cart.

Irene received many awards including the Distinguished Service Award/Portage County Holstein in 1986, Farm Woman of the Year (WPVGA) in 1999, Diocese of La Crosse Strangers and Guests Award in 2013 and Portage County Pioneer Women in 2014.

She was also very active in June Dairy Days, the WPVGA, and was Chair of the Sacred Heart picnic food stand for over 30 years.

Survivors include her husband, Donald Gagas of Stevens Point; children, Gene (special friend Brenda) of Rosholt, Clifford (Carole) of Custer, Marilyn (Jack) Wierzba of Rosholt, Patricia (John) Kleman of Stevens Point, Carol (John) Wanserski of Madison and Dale (Trudy) of Penrose, CO.

She is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Barb Gagas.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Monday February 16, 2015, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Polonia with the Rev. Gregory Michaud and Rev. Marcin Mankowski officiating. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Pisarski Funeral Home, 703 Second Street and again on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at the church. Sacred Heart Rosary Society will pray the rosary at 6:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorials in Irene’s name will be established at a later date. Pisarski Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family. For online condolences please visit pisarskifuneralhome.com.