Irene S. Joustra

Irene S. Joustra went to be with her Lord and Savior on September 12, 2026 at the age of 100 years. She was born May 27, 1926 to Edward and Josephine (nee: Jacobs) Erickson. Irene lived most of her life in Waukesha, and she most recently resided at Compass Point – at Three Pillars in Dousman. Irene worked her entire life, working first in factories during her early adult years, then returning to school to learn accounting skills. Irene eventually attained the position of accounts receivable department manager for Godfrey Company completing 30 years with the company. After her retirement, Irene began volunteering at the Waukesha County Sheriff Department, eventually being employed with the Waukesha County Sheriff Department then working there until she was 90 years old. While there, she assisted with court paperwork including citations, and keeping track of timekeeping for the bailiffs on the computer system. After her retirement from the Sheriff’s Department, Irene became a cherished volunteer with Waukesha County, Department of Aging only ending this final position due to COVID. Irene was a faithful member and attender of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church for 70 years where she volunteered using her accounting skills. Irene was a voracious reader and she loved to travel. Irene visited many countries during these exciting travels. 

Irene will be missed by her dear daughters, Cyndee (John) Zapfe and Sherrie Smith. She was the proud grandmother of 9 grandchildren, Sandra Szamocki, Christopher Szamocki, Jason Zapfe, Daniel (Jamie) Zapfe, Amy (Steve) Riddle, Timothy Zapfe, Jeffery (Brenda) Felsing, Shelly DeLeon, Julie DeLeon, and 15 great-grandchildren Rochelle Estes, Samantha Gottinger, Shaelin Zapfe, Cheyenne (Cristian Olmedo) Zapfe, Danny Zapfe, Justin Riddle, Jaedyn Riddle, Katelyn Riddle, Karissa (Nate Romenesko) Felsing, Stefanie (Trevor Schroeder) Felsing, Malorie DeLeon, Nickolas Schreiber, Skylar (Samantha Fisher) Lamers, Kelsey Jo Hansen, Karley Jo Asher, and 12 great-great-grandchildren, Vincent Szamocki, Brayden Estes, Kaitlyn Estes, August Riddle, Charlotte Riddle, Carter Felsing, Camryn Romenesko, Caydence Romenesko, Caiyah Romenesko, Ellianna DeLeon, Peyton Hansen, Kase Packard. Irene was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband John in 1987, and her daughter Judi Solfest in 2014. Irene is also survived by her loving nieces, nephews, friends and her precious cat, Fluffy. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all the awesome staff at Compass Point -Three Pillars of Dousman for your kindness, friendship and care that meant so much to Irene and our family.

The family also expresses gratitude to Irene’s loving nephew, David Schnabl, who faithfully held prayerful vigil at her bedside many early mornings. The family expresses gratitude to Angel’s Grace hospice for their care and support, and to Irene’s former neighbors Craig, Paul, and Mary who with their help, allowed her to live independently in her home up until 2 years ago.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church,1205 S. East Ave Waukesha, WI 53186 from 9:30am until the Funeral Service at 10:30am. Interment Prairie Home Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to HAWS, Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, or Compass Point at Three Pillars.