Ishpeming- Irene M. Eskela age 96 formerly of 706 Elliott Avenue of Ishpeming, passed away on Saturday morning October 20, 2018 at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans where she had resided since December of 2017.

Irene was born on July 20, 1922 the daughter of the late John and Rose Peterson. Irene was a graduate of the Ishpeming High School class of 1941. She began her employment at the CCI office first as a receptionist, and later as a telephone operator. She retired after well over 35 years. Irene married John Eskela on July 22, 1961. She was a member of the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church where she often worked with the ladies cleaning crew.

Survivors include Dan (Rita) Peterson of Marquette, Rosemary (Jim) Kutchie of Ishpeming, and Sue (Roger) LeDuc of Kingsford, MI, along with several nieces and nephews. Irene was preceded in death by her parents, husband John Eskela who passed away on April 1 ^st at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans, and her brothers Paul Peterson, and Robert Peterson.

Irene is fondly remembered as a great cook along with having a kind and generous soul. She always enjoyed time with family, nieces and nephews.

Irene's family will greet relatives and friends at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church from 10:00am to 11:00am on Friday October 26, 2018. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am with Fr. Ryan Ford officiating. A luncheon will follow in the K/D Hall. Inurnment will take place at the Ishpeming cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the St. John's Catholic Church.

The family would like to thank the staff on the west first floor of the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans for their services, their compassionate care, and kindness which was shown to Irene and the family.

Irene's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.


Irene's Memorial Mass recording may be listened to here .