Karen Ireland

Karen "Katie" Ireland, age 55, passed peacefully with a smile on her face on Thursday morning, May 28, 2015 at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice after a short bout with pancreatic cancer. She was born March 30, 1960 to Jerome and Gloria (Bailey) Ireland. She attended local schools and was a graduate of Sheboygan North High School, Class of 1978. She furthered her education in Madison in the business field. Katie started working at the age of 16 at Fountain Park Restaurant and over the years was employed at Town and Country, Sheboygan Glass Co., Trilling Hardware, Harmon Glass Co., National Cash Advance, Sky Box, Tommy's Bar and Grill, North Star Bar, and catered parties for special occasions. For the past seven years Katie was very active in Lakeshore Weekend for Milwaukee Children's Hospital, one of her great passions. She is survived by her son, Jacob Smies; her sister, Cheryl (Mark) Janey, her fiancé, Jeff Schmidlkofer; her niece, Andrea Janey; her nephew, Adam (Christine) Janey; and a large group of very special people, "Team Katie"! She was preceded in death by her parents. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. at Windjammer Banquet Hall inside Lakeshore Lanes. Rev Gregory S. Whelton will officiate. A time of visitation and support will be held from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service after which food and fellowship will continue. A memorial fund has been established in the name of "Team Katie" at any of the Wisconsin Bank & Trust locations (formerly Community Bank & Trust). Her family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the excellent staffs at Vince Lombardi Cancer Center and Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for their tender care of Katie. In Katie's own words, "Tell people not to be sad because I want to be remembered for my humor, happiness and my sarcasm. I want it known that given the chance there are only a few things that I would have done differently. I ask that you not mourn me, but to remember me as the person who stirred the embers of mischief and then quietly sat back to watch the action." Katie will always be remembered for her beautiful smile and willingness to help anyone and everyone at any time. She will be dearly missed by all who were privileged to know and love her.