Irene Jacobs Serpe was born on January 27, 1906, in Leon, Wisconsin to Cornelius and Lena (Oswald) Jacobs.  She passed away on January 5, 2006 in Los Angeles, California from heart failure after a very brief illness. 

     She grew up in Pleasant Valley with her sisters, Grace, Fern, and Doris and her brother Roy.  In 1923 she graduated from Sparta High School.  On June 1^st, 1927 she graduated from Grandview School of Nursing.  Irene married Louis A. Serpe in 1931.  They were married for 54 years until his passing in 1985.  She worked as a domestic cook during the depression and had a long career in private nursing most of her working life.  She moved to Beverly Hills permanently in 1941 and lived in the same home until her death.  Living in a land of cars, she never drove.  She was a great daughter, sister, wife, friend, mother, cook and nurse, and she could knit amazing sweaters too.  All who knew her will sorely miss Irene. 

     She is survived by her son, Richard Serpe of Beverly Hill, CA; her sister, Doris Frick of La Crosse, WI; sister-in-law, Margit Jacobs of Sparta, WI; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

     She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Louis Serpe; sisters, Fern, and Grace; brother, Roy Jacobs.

     A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2006 at 11 a.m. at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta with Reverend David McBride officiating. Burial will be in the Woodlawn Cemetery, Sparta.

     Friends may call at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home on Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of services. 

     Memorials may be given to the Heart Institute or the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation.

     The Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.