Irene M. Templin

Templin, Irene Miller

July 7, 2019, at 93 years young. Preceded in death by cherished husbands, John Miller and Robert Templin and brother John Tischer.  Loving mother of Nancy Streiff, Katie (Jim) Laverty, Susan (David) Lehner and Mary (Eric) Gausmann. Special grandmother to Jason Streiff, Lieutenant-Commander Benjamin (Laura) Burnham, Ethan (Annie) Burnham, Vince (Danielle) Laverty, Pete Laverty, John (Beata) Gausmann, Katharine (Adam) Meirzwa, Michael and Gregory Lehner and great- granddaughters, Ava Burnham, Simona Burnham and great-grandsons Max Burnham and Tyce Burnham.  Stepmother to Robert Templin’s children Marie (Dave) Cimpl, Susan, Rob (Michelle), Liz (Steve) Sykora and Jeanie (Craig) Flashner. Loving step-grandmother of Jason, Christina, Fil, Bo, Jenna, Joey, Dylan, Cole and great-grandchildren Hailey and Javier.

Irene was born on August 10, 1925 to Stephany and John Tischer.  She grew up on the south side of Milwaukee and attended St. Adalbert grade school and Pulaski High School.  In 1946 Irene graduated from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater with a Business Education degree and went on to teach at Necedah WI.  During the summer of 1947 Irene enjoyed leisurely days at the cottage of her uncle on Shawano Lake, Wisconsin where she met her first husband, John Miller.  After a whirlwind summer courtship, John and Irene were married on October 29, 1947. Their first daughter, Nancy, was born the following year and Katie two years later.  They lived in Badger Village just outside of Madison while John went to pharmacy school at the University of Wisconsin. Upon graduation John, Irene, and their two daughters moved to Gillett, Wisconsin to take over the family drugstore and pharmacy after John’s father retired. In the next few years, John and Irene would add two more daughters, Susan and Mary Jane to their family. In 1961 they moved to Manitowoc, WI. The years in Manitowoc were happy years. Irene did some teaching at Lincoln High School, which she enjoyed. After several years in Manitowoc, John and Irene decided to build their own drugstore and pharmacy in Appleton, Wisconsin and moved there in 1965. In addition to raising four daughters, Irene was an active member of the League of Women Voters, a flower arranging Judge and landscape critic, and a realtor, all while she helped John at the store. She and John enjoyed many hours on the golf course, Packer games, family holidays and travel. They loved their home and Irene filled the yard with beautiful flowering bushes, trees and colorful flowers.

In 1986 John passed away after a short illness. Family and friends gathered around Irene to support her in this time of great loss. One of those friends was Bob Templin. As their affection grew, they found that they shared many values and married in 1988. Irene and Bob hosted many happy holidays, birthdays, and celebrations at their home in Franklin, Wisconsin. There Irene continued her love of gardening and built a beautiful backyard garden that they could enjoy from their patio or living room window. In 2009, Bob and Irene sold their home in Franklin, and moved to Clement Manor. Clement Manor became the ideal place to build a new community of friends as well as reconnect with old friends who also chose Clement Manor as their home.

Sadly, Bob passed away in July 2012. After 24 years of marriage, his loss left a great void in Irene’s life.  Again, with the love of family and friends Irene crafted a new life.

Irene’s lifelong love of learning made her an active participant in many of the activities at Clement Manor. She attended symphonies, field trips, classes and social activities. Bob’s children continued to include her in family activities, and she took great delight in their company. Irene and her four daughters stayed connected through regular phone calls and planned visits.   Whether it’s travel visits to family homes or getting together for special occasions, the conversations always turn to the fun times and trips Irene took with her family.  Summer days at Shawano Lake, Miller girls’ trips to Hawaii, Paris and Italy and of course special occasions like graduations, weddings and introductions to new great grandchildren.  Great memories for all to “remember” and appreciate for years to come.

Always taking pride in her appearance, greeting others with a smile on her face and kind words for everyone she will be remembered as a “classy lady”.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Irene on Tuesday, August 13, at 10:00 AM, at Clement Manor, 3939 S. 92nd St., Greenfield, WI 53228, with visitation from 9:00 to 10:00 am. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Clement Manor.