Irene Tolfree Obituary

Irene Tolfree, aged 85, of Reese, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2025, at Fisher Senior Care Facility in Mayville, Michigan. Born on December 6, 1939, in Denmark Township, Tuscola County, she was the cherished daughter of the late Lawrence and Verna (Renner) Wagner. Irene's early years were rooted in the close-knit community where she was born, and she carried on the values of family and faith throughout her life.
A proud graduate of Reese High School, Irene's life was a testament to dedication and love. In November of 1976, she married the love of her life, Gerald Tolfree, at St. Michael's Lutheran Church in Richville. She was blessed with joy, laughter, and the birth of two wonderful children. Together, Irene and Gerald built a life filled with precious memories and unwavering companionship.
Irene was a dedicated Christian and a long-standing member of St. Michael's Lutheran Church in Richville. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, providing her with strength and solace throughout her years.
For 30 years, Irene was a respected line worker at Steering Gear, where she was known for her strong work ethic and camaraderie with her colleagues. Her retirement years were filled with activities she loved, including camping, traveling, playing cards, visiting casinos, and bowling. She especially enjoyed going on trips with her sisters and taking color tours up north with Gerald, where they admired the beauty of nature together.
Those who knew Irene would describe her as loving, kind, and passionate. She had a remarkable ability to make every person she met feel special and valued. Her generosity of spirit and her unwavering kindness will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
In addition to her husband Gerald, she is survived by her children, Robert Wagner and Jonie (James) Woodley. Grandmother to Jonathan (Leslie) Tolfree and Haven Koehn, and as a great-grandmother to Austin and Dallas, as well as step-great-grandchildren Ansley and Addelyn. Her love for her family was a beacon that guided them through life's many journeys.
Irene is also survived by her siblings, Ester Williams, Dorothy Spear, Linda Jackson, and brothers and sisters-in-law Dallas (Gloria), George, Dave (Kathy), Tom, and Bob (Linda) will fondly remember Irene's infectious laughter and the warmth she brought to every family gathering. She was preceded in death by her sister Ethal Darling, and brothers and sisters-in-law Jim, Margaret, Mildred, Viola, and Mary, all who have welcomed her into eternal rest.
A celebration of Irene's life will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Home - Reese Chapel, located at 9940 Saginaw St, Reese. Friends and loved ones are welcome to pay their respects on Thursday, July 3, 2025, from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. The burial will take place after the service in Eastlawn Memorial Gardens in Saginaw. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Fisher Senior Care Facility in Mayville
All of us at Ware Smith Woolever are honored to support theTolfree family during this time. Condolences and cherished memories can be shared at www.wswfh.com.
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