Irene J. (Vargo) Nielsen

Irene J. Nielsen (nee Vargo), age 81, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, November 29, 2018 surrounded by her loving family.

Irene is survived by her children, David (Susie) Nielsen, Daniel (Marie) Nielsen and Kimberly (the late Vernon) Hallas; grandchildren, Autuhm M. (Mark) Muntean, Chris A. Nielsen, Melissa S., Tyler D. (Sarah), Jacob T. (Miranda) and Jordan R. (Abby) Nielsen, Michael E. (MeiJieng) Nielsen and Stephanie M. (Paul) Camren; 11 great-grandchildren; dear friend, Bonnie Skeldon; and furry companion, Rusty.

Preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Chris H. Nielsen; two sons, Chris D. Nielsen and Robert L. Nielsen; parents, John and Mary (nee Dolinsky) Vargo; 5 brothers, John, George “Butch,” Edward, Ray and Ben; two sisters, Ann and Mary.

Irene was an avid gardener who had a natural green thumb. She was a passionate animal lover and a huge Elvis fan. She also enjoyed cooking, sewing and word search puzzles. Irene was a CNA for 30 years working for Provena St. Joseph Medical Center and later moving on to Hill Crest Health Care. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend who will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Irene’s name to Joliet Area Community Hospice would be appreciated.

A celebration of Irene’s life will begin on Sunday, December 2, 2018 with a visitation at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. A service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 5:00 p.m. Cremation rites will be accorded following the visitation. Irene will be laid to rest at SS Cyril and Methodius Cemetery in Joliet with her beloved husband at a later date.