Irene M Ferris
May 02, 1929 - October 25, 2025
Obituary
Madison - Irene M. Ferris, age 96, of Madison, passed away on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Oak Park Place. She was born on May 2, 1929, in Grant County, the daughter of Frank and Mabel (Clark) Ward.
Irene attended Bloomington High School. She married Donald Ferris on Nov. 12, 1946 in Lancaster. Irene worked at the Milton College cafeteria. After retirement, she and Donald opened the Corner Cafe in Lake Mills.
Irene enjoyed golfing, line dancing, playing cards, crocheting and cross-country skiing. She was an Auxiliary member of VFW Post 7591. Irene loved spending time with her family and was a grandmother to all.
Irene is survived by her three sons, Don "Butch" Ferris, Dale (Regina) Ferris and James Ferris; four daughters, Diane (Frank Swenson) Virnig, Donna McCoy, Jeanette (Don) Schmidt and Judy Smith; 16 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; special sister-in-law, Virginia Ward; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Ferris; parents; brother, Earl Ward; and three sisters, Belva Laufenberg, Marian Gilstrap and Doris Stanfley.
Private family services will be held.
The family would like to thank the staff of St. Mary's Hospital for their wonderful care given to Irene, and to her friends at the Westminster Apartments.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420