Irene Winkka Brazill

Irene Winkka Brazill, 88, longtime area resident, died Friday, July 21, 2017 in Duluth, MN. She was born July 22, 1928 in Maple, WI, the daughter of Finnish immigrants, Hemming and Mary (Majia Ammesmaki) Winkka.

She married Glenn Brazill on February 3, 1951. They were married fifty-two years. Irene was employed as a Registered Nurse for over fifty years before her retirement in 1991. She worked at Augustana Hospital, Chicago, IL, and St. Agnes Hospital, Fond du Lac, WI, among others.

Her greatest joys were family and friends, and singing, and enjoyed her coffee and korvapuu (cinnamon toast). She was a member of Sweet Adelines Choir, a worldwide organization of women singers, and the Jarvenpaa Singers Finnish Chorus in Duluth. She was also an active member of the Old Brule Heritage Society. What will be missed most is Irene’s love of life and her wit!

Irene is survived by her daughters, Karyl (Wil) Brazill-Cure, Tomahawk, WI and Diane (Jason) Brazill, Superior, WI; sons, Greg (Donna) Brazill, Cripple Creek, CO, Gary (Lori) Brazill, Loveland, CO and Thomas (Meg) Brazill, Madison, WI; seven grandchildren, Shane Csepp, Cody Csepp, Leland Scering, Robert McGrady, Aidan McGrady, Andrea Brazill and Dillon Brazill; two great-grandchildren, Navaya Csepp, Oliver Scering and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Glenn and twelve Winkka siblings, Senja, Aileen, Elsie, Lillian, Elvie, Helen, Mae, Aili, Matt, Eino, Oscar and Reuben.

Visitation will begin at 6:00 PM, Friday, July 28, 2017 in the Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 East Fifth Street, Superior, and will continue until the 7:00 PM funeral service with Pastor Victor St. George officiating. Interment will be in Lakeside Cemetery at a later date.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit www.lenroot-maetzold.com.