Irene M. Mason, age 86 of Monroe, WI, formerly of Argyle, WI, passed away Monday, February 15, 2010, at Monroe Manor in Monroe. She was born May 16, 1923, in Argyle Township, the daughter of Louis and Cora (Dammen) Lofgren. Irene was baptized and confirmed at Yellowstone Lutheran Church in Blanchardville. She attended eight years of Rural School and one year at Argyle High School. Irene was united in marriage to Loren Mason on November 20, 1940, at Blanchardville Lutheran Church in Blanchardville, WI. She lived and farmed with her husband in Adams Township in Green County until 1966, when they moved to Argyle. Irene worked at Swiss Colony, Oaktron, Armour's Cheese Factory and Advance Transformer all of Monroe. In 1972, she began working with Argyle Industries, retiring in 1980.

Irene is survived by two sons: Robert (Pat) Mason and Steve (Vicki) Mason, both of Brodhead, WI; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and one sister: Lois Gordee of Monroe. Irene was preceded in death by her husband: Loren in 1992; two sons: Richard in infancy and Dennis while serving in Vietnam; one grandson: Lee Dennis Mason in 1999; two great-grandchildren: Ashtain Rufer in 2009 and Madeline Marie Peterson in 1998; two brothers: LaVerne Lofgren in infancy and Vernus Lofgren in 1998; and one sister: Phyllis Waage in 2008.

Irene was a member of Yellowstone Lutheran Church and its Women of the ELCA. She enjoyed playing bingo and cards.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 19, 2010, at Yellowstone Lutheran Church, 4472 Saints Road, Blanchardville, with Rev. Daniel L. Bohlman officiating. Burial will be in Yellowstone Lutheran Church Cemetery in Argyle Township. A visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, February 18, 2010, at Erickson Funeral Home in Argyle. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.

For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Irene's name.