Irene Sveum

STOUGHTON- Irene Sveum, 96, passed away peacefully at home on March 23, 2016. Irene was born in Stoughton on January 22, 1920, the daughter of Carl and Marie (Olson) Seamonson. She graduated from Stoughton High School in 1938 and went on to attend Columbia Hospital School of Nursing in Milwaukee, graduating in 1941. Irene married Arthur Sveum on November 25, 1945 and the couple made their home in Stoughton where they raised their children and were active in Covenant Lutheran Church. Together, they were honored for their service to the community when they were selected to be the 1985 Stoughton Syttende Mai King and Queen. Irene enjoyed an interesting and varied nursing career, beginning at UW Hospital in Madison. She later became an office nurse for Dr. Carl Harper, an obstetrician. She spent a summer as a nurse at Camp Manitowish in Boulder Junction and ended her nursing career with 17 years at Skaalen Nursing and Rehabilitation Home in Stoughton. Irene was very active in both Women of the Church and her Church Circle at Covenant Lutheran Church. She also enjoyed singing in the choir there for more than 40 years. She was a charter member of PEO Sisterhood's Chapter DG in Stoughton and a member of the Heritage Garden Club. Art and Irene were longtime members of Stoughton Country Club where they were both avid golfers. Irene proudly played golf with the "Finer Niners" until she was 89. She loved the Green Bay Packers -- and the companionship of her cat, appropriately named Donald Driver. Irene loved spending time with her family and friends and was well known for her cooking and baking, which she generously donated to many a bake sale. She also enjoyed winter trips to Arizona, California and Mexico. Irene is survived by her children, Peter Sveum of Stoughton, John Sveum of Madison, Phil (Sue) Sveum of Fitchburg, and JoAnn (Harland) Lee of Hazelhurst, WI; grandchildren Erik Sveum of Big Timber, MT; Paul Sveum of Cornucopia, WI; Matt (Kristi) Sveum of Columbia, MO; Kelsey Sveum of New York, NY; Kristin (Randy) Ott of Edgerton; Kathryn (Phil) Ong of Orlando, FL; and Karen (Jerry) Sheets of Tomah, WI. Irene is also survived by her sister-in-law and brother-in-law Doris and Don Helmke of Stoughton and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Art; and her parents. A Celebration of Irene's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at Covenant Lutheran Church, 1525 N. Van Buren Street, Stoughton, with Rev. Mark Petersen officiating. Friends may greet the family from 10:00 AM until the time of services at church on Tuesday. Memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare Inc. or Covenant Lutheran Church. Please share your memories of Irene.
Cress Funeral Service
206 W. Prospect Street
Stoughton, WI 53589
(608) 873-9244