Ilene Farr

Indianapolis, IN - Ilene Farr, 91, formerly of Madison, WI, passed away peacefully September 29, 2016 in Indianapolis, IN. Services will take place on October 8 at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. Visitation will be held 10:00-11:00 AM prior to a prayer service at 11:00 AM. Pastor Sheryl Erickson, from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will officiate. Interment, immediately following, will be in Forest Hill Cemetery next to her husband, Charles Louis Farr, who passed away on November 26, 1993.

Ilene Thelma Nelson Farr, the daughter of Astrid Linnea (Nilsson) and Godfred Nelson, was born on a farm near Marcus, IA, on June 1, 1925. In 1946, she graduated from St. Joseph School of Nursing in Sioux City, Iowa and worked as a nurse. She met her husband in Sioux City and married on September 9, 1950. She then followed her husband in his career by moving to Nebraska and Minnesota, settling in Madison, June of 1964. She enjoyed many hobbies such as sewing, furniture refinishing, canning, needlework, crossword puzzles, and bridge. Because of her hobbies, she worked for World Dairy Expo as their Craft Forum Coordinator for over 20 years. She was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church for over 50 years, volunteering for various activities and a member of the Miriam Women's Circle. She also volunteered at Oakwood Village and the Madison Police Department. Both she and her husband traveled extensively within the US and Europe, and went on many Elderhostel trips. In 2009, she moved to Indianapolis, IN to be closer to her son.

Ilene is survived her children, Beth Brophy of Lockport, IL, Dean (Kathleen) Farr of Indianapolis, IN, Gail Terry (Michael) of Encinitas, CA; her brother, LuVerne (Alice) Nelson of Marcus, IA; four grandchildren; 2 great granddaughters; numerous other relatives and friends.

Preceding Ilene in death were her husband and three siblings. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be made in her honor to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

Cress Funeral and Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road
Madison, WI 53705
608-238-3434