Obituary of Irene Lonsway

Lonsway, Irene of Freeland, Michigan Lonsway, Florence Irene, 97, of Freeland, Michigan. Beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away at Stone Crest Assisted Living, Freeland, on January 22, 2016. She was born on September 12, 1918 in Almont, Michigan, of the late Howard R. and Amelia (Soneral) Andrews. She married Lawrence D. Lonsway on March 6, 1937, they were married for 67 year. They lived in Saginaw until 1944 when they purchased a farm in Freeland. While on the dairy farm, she was a member of the Freeland Planning Commission from 1960 through 1972, the Freeland Study Club, and Friendly Neighbors and in 1968-69 President of the Saginaw County Federation of Woman's Study Clubs. After 30 years they sold the farm and moved to Lawndale Estates so they could travel. She lived in San Benito, Texas during the winter for more than 36 years. Irene and Lawrence truly respected, as well as held a soft spot, for all the hardworking local migrant workers throughout the community. They enjoyed being in the HOSTS program, square dancing and several cruises. They attended St. John the Baptist in Carrollton, St. Agnes in Freeland, and finally St. John Vianney in successive years. Surviving are a son, Lawrence and his wife, JoAnne (Manhart) Lonsway; a daughter, Judith and her husband, Darrell Mielke; a son, John and his wife, Judy (Brinker) Lonsway; 13 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence on August 19, 2006; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Helene (Carl) Alberg, Elizabeth (Walter) Vollmer, and Doris (Leo) Tarras; and a brother, Vern (Mable) Andrews. FUNERAL: A Funeral Liturgy will take place 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 27, 2016 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 6400 McCarty Rd. Rev. Fr. Joseph A. Schabel will officiate. Rite of Committal will follow at St. Andrew Cemetery. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A Vigil Service led by Sr. Janet Pewoski will take place at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday evening. Irene will lie in state at the church on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Paralyzed Veterans of America Foundation or St. John Vianney Catholic Church. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.