Irene M. Cotts

Irene M. Cotts passed away at home on July 27, 2024 with her daughter by her side.

She was born May 1, 1925 to George and Orpha (Sumter) Skillings on the family farm town of Dunn, Dunn County. She was the oldest of eight children.

She attended a one room school until the 8th grade. From there, she attended Dunn County Aggie School which she graduated in 1943. She worked as a beautician for 42 years. You could tell as there was never a hair out of place.

Mom was an excellent seamstress and made many of her own clothes. She also loved making quilts, many of which she lovingly gave to family and friends. Every time someone visited, she had to show them her quilts, which she was very proud of.

She also loved to garden. One of the produce she raised was parsnips. Her daughter hated them. You had to leave them in the ground over winter and dig them up in the early spring and guess who ended up with that job (cold, wet and muddy!) She also couldn’t wait until apple season because she loved making homemade applesauce from her own trees.

Mom met her husband Darrell Cotts at a school program where he was playing Santa Clause as his brother (Stanley) was the teacher. They were married in 1947. In 1948 their daughter (Pam) was born, and they moved to a farm in the town of Weston where Mom still lived until her passing. Their daughter fulfilled her mother’s wish to being there until her passing.

Irene is survived by her daughter Pam (Jim) Biesterveld; grandsons John Biesterveld (Lisa), and Matt (Wendy) Biesterveld; brother Dan (Marge) Skillings and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband Darrell; parents George and Orpha Skillings; brothers Delvin, Don, and Dale Skillings; sisters Wanda Mortel, Lorraine Cotts and Marlys Jensen.

The family would like to thank Interim Hospice for their care. Also, to the neighborhood angels Marcia and Brenda and all the phone calls that kept mom in touch.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00a.m. Friday, August 2, 2024 at New Hope Lutheran Church in Downsville, WI with Rev. Dr. Judy Kincaid officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in the town of Dunn, Dunn County, WI. Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie, WI is serving the family.

Rest in Peace Mom!