Nov. 24, 1921 – July 18, 2011

Irene K. Lehnen of Mukwonago died from injuries sustained in an auto accident in East Troy on Monday, July 18, 2011, at the age of 89.

Irene was born Nov. 24, 1921, the daughter of Henry and Nora Mauel in Owen. She graduated from Owen High School in 1940, and married her husband, Edward, on July 18, 1945. In addition to raising her family and helping Ed run the Woodland Hotel in Owen for many years, Irene owned and operated Irene’s Owen Beauty Salon until she and Ed retired to Mukwonago in 2001. During her time in Mukwonago, Irene stayed active with the Waukesha County Department of Aging, contributing her time and energy to help enhance senior living in the county, including serving meals to seniors at her residence. She was a member of Senior Citizens of both Mukwonago and East Troy, and enjoyed playing bingo, 500 Rummy, and Mexican Train with her friends.

Irene was the cherished mother of four daughters: Barbara (Gary) Isaacs of Withee; Donna (Karl) Petz of Custer; Mary (Patrick) Hogan of Palatine, Ill.; and Andrea (Andrew) Maxwell of Eagle, each of whom she had assigned "roles" to assist her as the years passed by. She was the beloved grandmother of nine grandchildren that were lucky to have known her kindness and gentle ways. Irene’s three great-grandchildren will carry on her wonderful legacy. Her brother, Henry (Amy) Mauel of Owen, will miss the way he was able to tease her and make her laugh. Irene was loved and will be remembered by her daughters and their families, Hank and Amy, her many nieces and nephews, other relatives, and her many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward, and her sisters Germaine, Eleanor, Rosalyn and Alice.

A memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 23, at St. James Catholic Church 830 Highway NN, Mukwonago, with the Rev. Melvin Mascoskie officiating.

For online obituary and guest registry, visit www.hdlfuneralhomes.com. The family is being assisted by Mealy’s Funeral Home in Eagle, 594-2442.