Irene H. Grover
Irene H. Grover, 97, formerly Irene Everson, passed away peacefully, Sunday, January 7, 2024, at Pigeon Falls Health Care Center in Pigeon Falls.
Irene was born April 16, 1926, in Whitehall, to Henry and Ragna (Hanson) Harnisch of rural Pigeon Falls. She was a 1942 graduate of Whitehall High School and worked at Briggs Transport in Whitehall until her marriage to Harold K. Everson, May 26, 1945, at the home of her parents.
Following a short time as a supply clerk/typist in Louisiana where Harold was stationed during WWII, they returned to Whitehall and purchased the Walgert Hotel which they operated until 1972. They then moved to C.E.F.E. Apartments which she managed until 1994.
During that time, Irene took up oil painting. Among her paintings were many of local landmarks in the area. She also did bookkeeping in various offices until retiring in 1994.
Her first husband, Harold, passed away in 1989. On August 13, 1994, Irene married Paul D. Grover of Whitehall at First Baptist Church, and they then moved to Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. Two years later, they returned to Wisconsin, living in Tomah for 11 years. Paul passed away in 2007, and Irene returned to Whitehall.
Irene served on the Whitehall Electric Utility Commission for 17 years, was an active member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church for 50 years, and was a member of both the Hutchins-Stendahl Legion Auxiliary and the Tri-County Memorial Hospital Women’s Auxiliary.
Irene was an avid gardener, enjoyed knitting, crocheting and embroidery, and was a fantastic cook – all talents that she said she learned from her mother on the home farm. Irene was generous, had a sincere concern for others, loved life, and was an excellent judge of character.
Irene is survived by her sons: Rodney (Arlyce) Everson of Verona and Daniel (Donna) Everson of Shawano; three grandchildren: Matthew (Katie) Everson of Middleton, Erika (Dan) Brink of Verona and Kristin (Matthew) Kamke of Shawano; eight great-grandchildren: Samuel, Alexander and Cooper Everson, Isabelle, Andrew and Aubree Brink and Colton and Tenneson Kamke.
Irene was preceded in death by her first husband, Harold Everson, in 1989; by their son, John H. Everson, in 1969; and by her second husband, Paul Grover, in 2007. Also preceding her in death were her parents; brothers; infant, Leslie; Harold (Esther); Ervin (Doris) and Roy (Ila) Harnisch; and sisters: Helen Harnisch; infant, Margaret; Margaret (LaVerne) Jaquish; and Wilma (Lawrence) Tomter.
The family would like to extend our sincere appreciation and thanks to the wonderful caregivers at Pigeon Falls Health Care Center where Mom resided the past few years.
Memorial services will be held Friday, January 12, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at First Baptist Church, with burial at Lincoln Cemetery, both in Whitehall. Pastor Rob Buhl will officiate.
Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.
Memorials may be designated to the Whitehall Public Library or the First Baptist Church.
