Ishpeming, MI- Irene Joan Mercer, age 90, Ishpeming resident, passed away on Sunday, January 30, 2022, at Marquette County Medical Care Facility.

Irene was born in Ishpeming, Michigan on January 26, 1932, the daughter of the late Leonard H. and Myrtle I. (Renstrom) Klippel. She graduated from Ishpeming High School, Class of 1949.

Irene worked at the former Bell Memorial Hospital where she retired as Assistant Director of Human Resources after nearly 40 years.

Irene and her late husband Nathan were charter member of Christ the King Lutheran Church, where she formerly served as their secretary, and where she was active in the Ladies Bible Study.

Irene is survived by three sisters: Janet Genord of Iron Mountain, Patricia Hughes, and Fern Bertucci both of Ishpeming, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Irene was preceded in death by her parents, husband Nathan, and two sisters: Juanita Klippel, and Myrtle Tasson.

Irene and Nate enjoyed traveling in their retirement years. Places they loved to visit included Germany and Martha's Vineyard.

Irene was known as a wonderful baker and enjoyed sharing her baked goods with family, friends, and neighbors.

As a child, Irene and her sisters spent summers at their family camp on Farmer Lake in Little Lake. Irene eventually purchased her own camp next to the family camp and cherished her time there with her family, extended family, and her dogs.

A celebration of Irene's life will be held at 12:00 noon at her church, Christ the King Lutheran Church on Thursday May 12, 2022.  A visitation will take place one hour prior to the service.

A luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall.

Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to Christ the King Lutheran Church 440 Stoneville Rd. Ishpeming, MI 49849 in memory of Irene.

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