PACHOLKA, Irene 71 of Sanford and a wonderful servant of the Lord was called to her heavenly home after a valiant struggle with ALS-Lou Gehrig’s disease on Thursday, February 17, 2011 at her home. There she was welcomed by four of her sons. She was born June 27, 1939 in Midland, daughter of the late Joseph and Pauline (Pes) Radosa. She graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Merrill. The former Irene Radosa married Kenneth Pacholka on August 21, 1965 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Ryan. Irene was an every ready caregiver to friends and family in need. She welcomed all into her home, both old and new friends. She will be missed by her casino trip friends, many many rummage salers, and the Pacholka Pig Roast will never be the same. Irene was a well loved cake decorator. Besides making her daughter’s wedding cakes, she made many of her nieces, nephews and friends graduation and wedding cakes. She also made cakes for many events at St. Agnes Catholic Church. Irene was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church and a member of their Ladies Alter Society and a member of the first Catholic Slovak Union.

She is survived by her husband, Ken; one son, Jeff Pacholka of Sanford; two daughters, Michele (Chris) Reinke of Midland, and Patricia (Tom) Carson of Oceanside, CA; one granddaughter, Michele Irene Reinke; two brothers, Steve (Leah) Radosa of Freeland and Frank (Barb) Radosa of Merrill; and one sister, Katherine Stevens of Midland. In addition to her parents, Irene was predeceased by four sons, Kevin, Wayne, Doug and Stanley; by one sister, Josephine Smolek; by her parents-in-law, Walter and Minnie Pacholka and one sister-in-law, Katie Atton. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated 10 a.m. Monday, February 21, 2011, from St. Agnes Catholic Church. Father Daniel J. Fox OFM Cap will officiate with burial at Midland Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Irene’s family will receive friends at the Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 West Wheeler Street, on Saturday from 6-8 p.m., Sunday 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. and at the church on Monday from 9 a.m. until time of mass. A vigil for the deceased will take place 7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider ALS of Michigan or the Pacholka Scholarship Fund.