Ilene Isenberg

MADISON-Ilene Ann Isenberg, beloved wife, sister, and friend, lost her second bout with cancer on Friday, Dec. 16, 2011. Born in Appleton, on Oct. 21, 1950, Ilene graduated from Appleton West High School in 1968 and received a bachelor of music degree from Lawrence University in 1972, majoring in percussion. While at Lawrence, she became interested in radio broadcasting and worked at the university station, WLFM, which led to a 29 year career at Appleton’s WHBY. Ilene also held several other part time jobs over the years, stocking vending machines, chauffeuring Packers fans to Lambeau Field, transporting blood for Community Blood Center of Wisconsin, and volunteering in the Appleton City Band. Ilene met Oshkosh native Dan Fields in 1999, they married in 2004 in Madison’s Olbrich Gardens. After moving to Madison’s East side, Ilene parlayed her gardening skills into a position as perennial garden manager at America’s Best Flowers in Cottage Grove. She also jumped back into radio, hosting “Classical Music with Ilene Isenberg” Sunday afternoons on Wisconsin Public Radio. She was also heard around the state as the announcing voice of Wisconsin Public Television. Ilene will be remembered for her quick wit, extensive knowledge of music and gardening, as well as her faithfulness and dedication, especially to her aging mother. She is survived by husband, Daniel Fields; and brothers, Bill Isenberg of Camarillo, Calif., and John (Debbie) Isenberg of Pasadena, Calif. Services will be held at the GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec 19, 2011. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 3 p.m. until the time of the service. A reception will follow. There will be also be a graveside ceremony at Riverside Cemetery in Appleton, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011. Memorial donations may be made to Wisconsin Public Radio, the Wisconsin Master Gardener Program, or Lawrence University. Cemetery: There will be also be a graveside ceremony at Riverside Cemetery in Appleton, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011. Memorial donations may be made to Wisconsin Public Radio, the Wisconsin Master Gardener Program, or Lawrence University. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 3 p.m. until the time of the service. Services will be held at the GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec 19, 2011.