God came and wrapped His loving arms around Irene and carried her to her heavenly home on Sunday June 3, 2012. She was born in Little Chute on August 26, 1932 to the late Nick and Rose (Jansen) Dercks. Irene married Mark J. Verhagen at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church on October 12, 1957.

Irene lived her life with compassion and love as she cared for young children. She enjoyed babysitting many children, especially all of her grandchildren. Irene had many great times at Archibald Lake and Shawano Lake having fun with family and friends. She enjoyed her once a month Granny's Night Out with her good friends and sister, Joan. Irene will hold a special place in all of our hearts.

Irene is survived by her children: Mark (Kathy) Verhagen, Lori (Jeff) Evers, and Karen (Andy) Sanders, all of Little Chute; grandchildren: Nick (special friend Lauren), Jenni (special friend Ted) and Dan (special friend Melani) Verhagen, Heather (Ryan) Weyenberg, Cody Evers, Aly and Taylor Sanders; great-grandchildren: Hunter and Brooke Weyenberg; siblings: Joan (Lefty) Geurts, Delores (Duane) Vanderloop and Tom (Muggs) Dercks; and sisters and brother-in-law: Ann, Clara, Bernice and Myra Dercks, Paul (Theresa) and Blanche Verhagen, Mary Jean Van Lanen and Ruth Rosin. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her husband and parents, Irene was preceded in death by her siblings: David (infant), Jimmy (infant), Roger, Russell, Harold (Lily), Paul, Gene and Laverne Dercks, Julia (Cyril) Riechel, Mutzie (Virgil) Helms and Eleanor Mahn; father and mother-in-law: Harry and Christine Verhagen; and brothers and sister-in-law: Joe (infant), Joe (adult), Earl and Richard Verhagen, Eugene Van Lanen, Ervin "Fritz" Rosin and Leone (Frederick) Vande Hey.

Visitation will be held Wednesday June 6, 2012 at ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CATHOLIC CHURCH (323 S. Pine St. Little Chute) beginning at 3:00 p.m. until time of Mass at 6:00 p.m. The Rev. Msgr. James Vanden Hogen will officiate. Committal St. John Cemetery.

A special thanks to American Grand, especially Danielle for her care and compassion, and to the Hospice nurses – Kim, Tammy and Jamie for the wonderful care they gave our mom.