Obituary: Irene Kakanauskas, 86, of Fountain.

Irene Kakanauskas

Obituary: Irene Kakanauskas, 86, of Fountain.

Irene Mary Ann Kakanauskas, 86, of Fountain passed away peacefully Sunday, April 10, 2022 at Oakview Medical Care Facility. She was born October 18, 1935 in Irons to Michael and Anna (Ondo) Daraskavich. Irene graduated from Kaleva-Norman Dickson High School as Salutatorian in 1954. She married Charles Robert Kakanauskas on October 1, 1954. They made many memories in the 51 years they spent together. 

Irene held various jobs during her work career, including Emerson Lake Inn, Star Watch Case, Five Cap Meals at Fountain Schools, and Gibbs Country House. She provided a warm and welcome open door for family and friends, which included homemade traditional comfort foods and coffee. Gathering at family reunions was dear to her heart. On the family farm, she cared for and enjoyed many animals. She had many beloved pets, including dogs and cats. During the summer and fall, Irene was busy with gardening and canning produce. She also loved to tend her flower garden and she enjoyed the blooms. She was an avid reader and she enjoyed puzzles. Irene enjoyed bowling for many years and made many dear and lasting friendships. She was very proud of her three devoted daughters and all of her accomplished grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Irene is survived by her daughters, Judy (Jerry) Jacques, Linda McIntosh, and Peggy (Jim) Appledorn; her grandchildren, Adam Jacques, Kelly (Chris Anello) Ottinger, William (Sierra Hinrichsen) Jacques, Abby (Michael) Tarver, Anthony (Stacy) McIntosh, Rochelle (Dan) Jocham, Terra (David Wreschnig) McIntosh, Jessica (Kyle) Sorensen, Jimmy Appledorn, Jenny (Colin Salois) Appledorn; her great-grandchildren, Coltin, Sophie, Miles, Cameron, Kendall, Pyper, and Zayne.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Kakanauskas; her parents, Michael and Anna Daraskavich; her mother-in-law, Anna and Homer Neal; her five brothers and one sister.

According to her wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life is being planned for later this summer.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington, www.oakgroveludington.com.