She was born on April 16, 1920 in Aniwa, to the late William and Martha (nee Staats) Bartelt. Her family moved to the Kohlsville area in 1931, and she graduated from West Bend High School in 1938.

Irene married Lester Hudson on Sept. 7, 1940 at Zion Ev. Lutheran church, town of Wayne. After their marriage the couple lived in West Bend until moving to the Kohlsville area in 1975.

Her husband passed away on June 13, 1991.

Irene worked a a beautician in the Allenton and West Bend area for many years.

She was a former member of St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church in West Bend, a current member of Zion Ev. Lutheran Church, town of Wayne, and was a member of the Ladies Aid.

She enjoyed cooking and sewing, and was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Survivors include two children, William (Kathleen) Hudson and Linda (Ronald) Hudson-Tratnik, both of West Bend; three grandchildren, Michael (Joy) Hudson, Daniel (Anneke) Hudson of St. Louis, Mo. and Elizabeth (Mark) Connor of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; three great-grandchildren, Luke Connor, Kaitlyn Hudson and Allison Hudson; a sister-in-law, Irene Smits of DePere; a brother-in-law, Alfred (Elsie) Hudson of Sussex; other relatives and dear friends.

Preceding her in death was a brother, William.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 11:30 a.m. at Zion Ev. Lutheran Church, town of Wayne.

Rev. Steven Bode will officiate, and burial will follow in Zion Church Cemetery.

Visitation at the church only will be Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services.

Memorials to Zion Ev. Lutheran Church, town of Wayne, or St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, West Bend, are appreciated.