Irene Tamura

Irene Dorothy Tamura, 94, of La Crosse, passed away on October 10, 2012 from complications resulting from a stroke. She is the daughter of Naif and Sadie (Theeb) Abraham.

During WWII, Irene met and later married Yoshio Tamura, who served in the U.S. Army as an interpreter at Camp McCoy. Yoshio Tommy passed away on December 25, 1973.

Irene was very fond of cats and dogs and had a fondness that brought her into friendship with Robert and Eleanor Franke, who were strong supporters of the Coulee Region Humane Society.

Irene may still be known to some older Northside residents who shopped at her brother Fred Abrahams grocery store on Liberty Street, where Irene worked in the 1970s and 1980s.

Irene is survived by her nephews and nieces: Frederick, Ronald, and Jeffrey Abraham and their sister, Anita (Abraham) Gooderum; Donald, Charles and James Markos; Joanne (Wakeen)Van Riper, Beverly (Wakeen) Welch and Mary (Wakeen) Messersmith.

Irene was always a stylish dresser and was admired for this by some of her grandnieces. Her loyal friend, Lucy Freeman, will always remember Irene as she was in her elegant and spirited days.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, October 15 at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse. Burial will follow the service in the Oak Grove Cemetery. Family and friends may call at the funeral from 10 a.m. until time of service.