Irene B. Torkkola
February 5, 1931 -
January 6, 2022
Irene Bernice Torkkola, age 90, passed away on Thursday, January 6, 2022 at Froedtert South-Pleasant Prairie.
Born in Becker County, MN on February 5, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Eino and Effie (Arola) Mattila. She grew up attending local schools and graduated from Menagha High School.
On May 6, 1951, she was united in marriage to Howard Torkkola. They were blessed with 53 years of marriage and two children.
Irene was employed as a Bookkeeper for a Creamery in Park Rapids, MN, Howard McMahon Accounting Services, Villani and Becker Accounting Services and CJW in Kenosha and continued to work as a self-employed bookkeeper.
She was a member of Mount Zion Lutheran Church and the VFW Auxiliary.
In her younger years, she was an avid bowler. Irene had a heart of gold and would do anything for her family and friends. A devout and strong Christian that would speak the mind about life and would let you know her thoughts. She enjoyed serving at the senior lunch center, socializing, and made many long-term friendships. She enjoyed a life of learning through reading, especially about finances! Times with family and friends on the telephone or in person were most enjoyable. She touched the lives of many people in different ways and she will be missed.
Irene is survived by her children, Cheryl (Jeff) Raduechel and Dean (Terri Hirlinger) Torkkola; her grandchildren, Stacy (Justin) Ray, Jenny and Kelly (Bill Sangbusch Jr.) Raduechel; her great grandchildren, Ethan and Tessa Ray; her sisters, Helen Salo, Miriam Potila, Peggy Melina and Linda Hanninen.
In addition to her parents, Irene was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Howard Torkkola; her brothers, Henry, Alland, Butch and Elmer Mattila and Curtis Kummala and her sister, Katie Pulju.
Service Info
Funeral services honoring Irene’s life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, January 14, 2022 at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park Chapel, 4300 Green Bay Road, Kenosha, WI.
A visitation for Irene will be held on Friday, January 14, 2022 from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at the Piasecki Funeral Home, 3720 39th Ave, Kenosha, WI.
Due to public health concerns, and in compliance with CDC guidelines, those in attendance are required to wear a face covering. We thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this difficult time.
Memorial remembrances may be made to the Shalom Center, 4314 39th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53144 or to Safe Harbor Humane Society, 7811 60th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53142 would be appreciated by the family.
Posted by:
Arnold PariseTo the family of Irene Torkkola: I am saddened to learn of the passing of Irene. I was informed of it from the KAFASI Senior Dining Site Manager Sean Adamczyk. This is where I had my recent connection to her good works where she served as a volunteer. She was so much more to those who were fortunate to have her in this life. I met her shortly after the passing of my own mother, at age 92, in November 2018. The same superlatives that I can use to describe my own mother's good long life can apply to Irene. Irene was gracious and pleasant in demeanor. She was aware and attentive to those around her. Her goodwill to others always came through in her actions. Even though my time knowing her was short she had a positive impact on my life in an often difficult time. Please accept my condolences on your loss. I realize that this is a difficult time for family. Based on my own experience with this well-established program I heartily suggest that you participate in the local Grief Share 13 week program that begins in March 2022. It has been sponsored by Piasecki Funeral Home for some time and a great team of three facilitate it. Please contact Anne Wasilevich at Piasecki for more information and to sign up for this worthwhile part of the healing process. I wish you all well in this time as Irene was such a great person in so many ways. Sincerely, Arnold Parise (Mary D. Bradford High School Class of 1975)
