Gorenz

Irene Louise Gorenz, 94, of rural Alhambra, Ill., died on Monday, Sept. 11, 2023, at her residence. She was born on Wednesday, April 10, 1929 in Chicago, the daughter of Henry and Mary (Pezdek) Pirok. She married John H. Gorenz on Oct. 4, 1952, in Livingston. John preceded Irene in death on Jan. 26, 1994.

Irene worked as a support person with the Shell Refinery and was also a caregiver for both family and close friends. She was a homemaker and an excellent cook, a room mother for the kids and loved to take care of her garden and lawn, and her dog, Skipper. Irene was dedicated to her family. She attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Livingston.

Irene is survived by her son, John David (Ellen) Gorenz of Alhambra; daughters, Mary Gorenz of Simpsonville, S.C. and Louise (Brent) Knecht of Lebanon, Ind.; grandchildren, Craig (Nicole) Potthast, Linda (Peter) Sambor, Angela (Erik) Bruce, Christopher (Jill) Gorenz, Nicholaus (Samantha) Knecht, Wilda Knecht, Andrew Knecht, Elizabeth Knecht, and James Woodward; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Irene was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and brothers, Ralph J. Pirok and Henry Pirok.

A Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, Sept. 16, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Livingston with Fr. Thomas J. Hagstrom officiating. Burial was in the Sacred Heart Cemetery near Livingston.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Sacred Heart Cemetery, the Hamel-Alhambra EMS, or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Lesicko Funeral Home in Livingston and Williamson Funeral Home of Staunton were in charge of arrangements.