Irene Rose

Irene Mary Rose, 85 of Northlake, IL, passed away on July 1, 2023 from congestive heart failure. She was preceded in death by her son John Paul Inkmann, her grandson Andrew Kusper, her twin Arlene Ripp Schmitz, her brothers Edwin, Jerome  and Brother Thomas Ripp. She left behind her siblings Jeanette Dorman, Doris Carey, Sally O’Malley, Leon Ripp, Walter Ripp, Anita Garcia, Maxine Wilson and Edna Resari; daughters Kris (Nitzan) Peleg, Lee Inkmann, Mary Ann (Mark) Kusper, Angela (Frank) Washelesky and Lily (Tony) Garcia; and her grandchildren April (Jon) Schweitzer and Analyn Kusper, Shaked (Adam) Azzam and Matan Peleg, Dan and March Washelesky, Angel Wilson, and Jessica, Peyton and Brady (Carolyn) Eckert; and her great-grandchildren Meredith and Eloise Schweitzer, and Maddie Eckert, and many beloved in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Irene was born on Flag Day, June 14, 1938 in Waunakee WI, to Chris and Irene Ripp, both of whom are deceased. She grew up on a farm and remembered fondly some of her high school years with the Sisters of St. Agnes in Fond du Lac, WI. She was married to Bruce Inkmann for 32 years. She graduated from the University of Illinois – Chicago, with a degree in Communications. She lived in Waunakee WI, Tonopah NV, Perry IA, Oak Park IL, Eugene OR, Stickney IL and Northlake IL.

Irene enjoyed spending time with her family. She played Scrabble and piano, sang and listened to Johnny Cash and other music. She was an excellent cook and baker. She travelled extensively, including trips to Europe, Israel, Egypt and Alaska, and particularly enjoyed long-distance train trips. For the last five years or so, she really enjoyed socializing with her friends at the Casa Independent Living facility, playing trivia with them and being a floor representative. She was also a loyal Cubs fan.

She had a deep faith and connection to the Catholic Church throughout her life and it gave her much comfort, especially as she faced the sudden deaths of several close family members. In her words, “As [she] goes to her eternal reward, she presents to her Creator, a woman who not only was courageous, but was a spirit filled with a determination to live her life rich in truth, beauty and love.”

Irene and her family are grateful for the compassionate care she received while living at the Casa and Villa Scalabrini, and to Roselyn Bartolome and Luci Mae Lowery for their care.

Irene requested that no services be held upon her passing, and she has gifted her remains to the Anatomical Gift Association.

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