Ione E. Smith-Kreamer passed away peacefully at 95 at the Brookside Care Center with her nephew at her side.
Born to Samuel and Thora (Michelson) Smith, her education began in a one-room rural school for the first eight years, followed by four years of secondary education at the 1890 Kenosha High School, graduating in 1933 in the middle of the Depression with her mother's desire that she become a teacher as her mother had been. She later attended the Racine-Kenosha Teachers College in Union Grove, the University of Colorado, Northwestern University and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, earning a Bachelor of Education degree and a Masters degree.
During World War II, Ione volunteered her time entertaining activities for servicemen stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Station, where she met Kenneth Leon Kreamer, an injured Marine. They were united in marriage on October 28th, 1945 at the Somers Congregational Church. Following fifty-seven years of marriage, Kenneth passed away during their 25th winter in Florida on January 7th, 2003.
Ione was a teacher and librarian at the Thomas Jefferson, Paris Corners and Bullamore Forks Schools in Kenosha County and at the Colonel Frank, Roosevelt, Grevenow, Southport and Lance Schools in the city, retiring in 1977 after over four decades, following which she and Ken spent their winters at their home in Hudson, Florida.
Ione was a member of the First United Methodist churches in Kenosha and Hudson, where Ione helped develop a large library, and the United Methodist Women, WEA, KEA and WEA & KEA Retiree's Association, CWAG, Danish Sisterhood of America, Kenosha County Historical Society, Kenosha Women's Club, PEO Sisterhood, Alpha Delta Kappa, and the American Association of University Women. She also served on the board of Meridian House, the Western Kenosha County Historical Society and the Kenosha County Board of Health, representing seniors. Since 2003 Ione devoted her time to volunteering and helping seniors in need. In 1980, Congressman Les Aspin appointed her to the White House Conference on Aging representing Wisconsin.
Ione was the recipient of numerous awards. In 1984 she was honored as one of Wisconsin's ten most admired citizens. There were honors from the American Association of University Women for her years of service; a 1977-to-1992 award for her service on the Advisory Council for Southeastern Wisconsin Area Agency on Aging, and a Certificate of Appreciation for 25 years of service to the Kenosha public schools. In 2004 she received a Lifetime Award for service with the elderly; in 2005 she was awarded a Volunteer Vista brick in Eichelman Park, and from 2005 to 2008 she was involved with "Walk for the Health of It" with Daniel J. Travanty, the event now known as The Ione Kreamer Walk for the Health of It. She received the Distinguished Alumni Award for the 1933 graduating class of Kenosha High School and the Kenosha Area Disability Services Award in 2009.
Ione was very proud of her uncle Gus Mikkelson, a conductor on the first Kenosha Electric Railway (1903-1932). Gus worked on the KERy's last run on the Valentine's Day weekend of 1932.
Ione was survived by a nephew, James (Sharon) Smith of Kenosha; two nieces, Evelyn (Dave) Johnston of Pueblo, Colorado and Eileen Strong of Medicine Lodge, KS; a great-niece, Jennifer Smith (Thomas) Miller of Kenosha; a great-nephew, Michael (Christine Chambers) Smith of Kenosha; two great-great nieces, Hannah and Hailey Miller; and two great-great nephews, Dylan and Ian Smith.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, Merlyn Smith and Lyle Smith in infancy; and two sisters, Lorna Miller and Sheila Ann Harms.
The family extends special thanks to the entire staff of Brookside Care Center for the care and compassion given to their Aunt.
Visitation was held at the funeral home on Sunday, November 6th, 2011 from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m. Funeral services were held on Monday, November 7th at the First Methodist Church at 10:30 A.M. with interment following. Ione loved flowers, but her request was to have donations in her name made to The First United Methodist Church PEO Scholarship Fund, the AAUW Scholarship Fund, Retired Teachers Scholarship Fund or the Danish Sisterhood Lodge.
Proko Funeral Home & Crematory
5111 60th Street, Kenosha
(262) 654-3533
www.prokofuneralhome.com
Born to Samuel and Thora (Michelson) Smith, her education began in a one-room rural school for the first eight years, followed by four years of secondary education at the 1890 Kenosha High School, graduating in 1933 in the middle of the Depression with her mother's desire that she become a teacher as her mother had been. She later attended the Racine-Kenosha Teachers College in Union Grove, the University of Colorado, Northwestern University and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, earning a Bachelor of Education degree and a Masters degree.
During World War II, Ione volunteered her time entertaining activities for servicemen stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Station, where she met Kenneth Leon Kreamer, an injured Marine. They were united in marriage on October 28th, 1945 at the Somers Congregational Church. Following fifty-seven years of marriage, Kenneth passed away during their 25th winter in Florida on January 7th, 2003.
Ione was a teacher and librarian at the Thomas Jefferson, Paris Corners and Bullamore Forks Schools in Kenosha County and at the Colonel Frank, Roosevelt, Grevenow, Southport and Lance Schools in the city, retiring in 1977 after over four decades, following which she and Ken spent their winters at their home in Hudson, Florida.
Ione was a member of the First United Methodist churches in Kenosha and Hudson, where Ione helped develop a large library, and the United Methodist Women, WEA, KEA and WEA & KEA Retiree's Association, CWAG, Danish Sisterhood of America, Kenosha County Historical Society, Kenosha Women's Club, PEO Sisterhood, Alpha Delta Kappa, and the American Association of University Women. She also served on the board of Meridian House, the Western Kenosha County Historical Society and the Kenosha County Board of Health, representing seniors. Since 2003 Ione devoted her time to volunteering and helping seniors in need. In 1980, Congressman Les Aspin appointed her to the White House Conference on Aging representing Wisconsin.
Ione was the recipient of numerous awards. In 1984 she was honored as one of Wisconsin's ten most admired citizens. There were honors from the American Association of University Women for her years of service; a 1977-to-1992 award for her service on the Advisory Council for Southeastern Wisconsin Area Agency on Aging, and a Certificate of Appreciation for 25 years of service to the Kenosha public schools. In 2004 she received a Lifetime Award for service with the elderly; in 2005 she was awarded a Volunteer Vista brick in Eichelman Park, and from 2005 to 2008 she was involved with "Walk for the Health of It" with Daniel J. Travanty, the event now known as The Ione Kreamer Walk for the Health of It. She received the Distinguished Alumni Award for the 1933 graduating class of Kenosha High School and the Kenosha Area Disability Services Award in 2009.
Ione was very proud of her uncle Gus Mikkelson, a conductor on the first Kenosha Electric Railway (1903-1932). Gus worked on the KERy's last run on the Valentine's Day weekend of 1932.
Ione was survived by a nephew, James (Sharon) Smith of Kenosha; two nieces, Evelyn (Dave) Johnston of Pueblo, Colorado and Eileen Strong of Medicine Lodge, KS; a great-niece, Jennifer Smith (Thomas) Miller of Kenosha; a great-nephew, Michael (Christine Chambers) Smith of Kenosha; two great-great nieces, Hannah and Hailey Miller; and two great-great nephews, Dylan and Ian Smith.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, Merlyn Smith and Lyle Smith in infancy; and two sisters, Lorna Miller and Sheila Ann Harms.
The family extends special thanks to the entire staff of Brookside Care Center for the care and compassion given to their Aunt.
Visitation was held at the funeral home on Sunday, November 6th, 2011 from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m. Funeral services were held on Monday, November 7th at the First Methodist Church at 10:30 A.M. with interment following. Ione loved flowers, but her request was to have donations in her name made to The First United Methodist Church PEO Scholarship Fund, the AAUW Scholarship Fund, Retired Teachers Scholarship Fund or the Danish Sisterhood Lodge.
Proko Funeral Home & Crematory
5111 60th Street, Kenosha
(262) 654-3533
www.prokofuneralhome.com
Ione E. Smith-Kreamer passed away peacefully at 95 at the Brookside Care Center with her nephew at her side.
Born to Samuel and Thora (Michelson) Smith, her education began in a one-room rural school for the first eight years, followed by four years of secondary education at the 1890 Kenosha High School, graduating in 1933 in the middle of the Depression with her mother's desire that she become a teacher as her mother had been. She later attended the Racine-Kenosha Teachers College in Union Grove, the University of Colorado, Northwestern University and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, earning a Bachelor of Education degree and a Masters degree.
During World War II, Ione volunteered her time entertaining activities for servicemen stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Station, where she met Kenneth Leon Kreamer, an injured Marine. They were united in marriage on October 28th, 1945 at the Somers Congregational Church. Following fifty-seven years of marriage, Kenneth passed away during their 25th winter in Florida on January 7th, 2003.
Ione was a teacher and librarian at the Thomas Jefferson, Paris Corners and Bullamore Forks Schools in Kenosha County and at the Colonel Frank, Roosevelt, Grevenow, Southport and Lance Schools in the city, retiring in 1977 after over four decades, following which she and Ken spent their winters at their home in Hudson, Florida.
Ione was a member of the First United Methodist churches in Kenosha and Hudson, where Ione helped develop a large library, and the United Methodist Women, WEA, KEA and WEA & KEA Retiree's Association, CWAG, Danish Sisterhood of America, Kenosha County Historical Society, Kenosha Women's Club, PEO Sisterhood, Alpha Delta Kappa, and the American Association of University Women. She also served on the board of Meridian House, the Western Kenosha County Historical Society and the Kenosha County Board of Health, representing seniors. Since 2003 Ione devoted her time to volunteering and helping seniors in need. In 1980, Congressman Les Aspin appointed her to the White House Conference on Aging representing Wisconsin.
Ione was the recipient of numerous awards. In 1984 she was honored as one of Wisconsin's ten most admired citizens. There were honors from the American Association of University Women for her years of service; a 1977-to-1992 award for her service on the Advisory Council for Southeastern Wisconsin Area Agency on Aging, and a Certificate of Appreciation for 25 years of service to the Kenosha public schools. In 2004 she received a Lifetime Award for service with the elderly; in 2005 she was awarded a Volunteer Vista brick in Eichelman Park, and from 2005 to 2008 she was involved with "Walk for the Health of It" with Daniel J. Travanty, the event now known as The Ione Kreamer Walk for the Health of It. She received the Distinguished Alumni Award for the 1933 graduating class of Kenosha High School and the Kenosha Area Disability Services Award in 2009.
Ione was very proud of her uncle Gus Mikkelson, a conductor on the first Kenosha Electric Railway (1903-1932). Gus worked on the KERy's last run on the Valentine's Day weekend of 1932.
Ione was survived by a nephew, James (Sharon) Smith of Kenosha; two nieces, Evelyn (Dave) Johnston of Pueblo, Colorado and Eileen Strong of Medicine Lodge, KS; a great-niece, Jennifer Smith (Thomas) Miller of Kenosha; a great-nephew, Michael (Christine Chambers) Smith of Kenosha; two great-great nieces, Hannah and Hailey Miller; and two great-great nephews, Dylan and Ian Smith.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, Merlyn Smith and Lyle Smith in infancy; and two sisters, Lorna Miller and Sheila Ann Harms.
The family extends special thanks to the entire staff of Brookside Care Center for the care and compassion given to their Aunt.
Visitation was held at the funeral home on Sunday, November 6th, 2011 from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m. Funeral services were held on Monday, November 7th at the First Methodist Church at 10:30 A.M. with interment following. Ione loved flowers, but her request was to have donations in her name made to The First United Methodist Church PEO Scholarship Fund, the AAUW Scholarship Fund, Retired Teachers Scholarship Fund or the Danish Sisterhood Lodge.
Proko Funeral Home & Crematory
5111 60th Street, Kenosha
(262) 654-3533
www.prokofuneralhome.com
Born to Samuel and Thora (Michelson) Smith, her education began in a one-room rural school for the first eight years, followed by four years of secondary education at the 1890 Kenosha High School, graduating in 1933 in the middle of the Depression with her mother's desire that she become a teacher as her mother had been. She later attended the Racine-Kenosha Teachers College in Union Grove, the University of Colorado, Northwestern University and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, earning a Bachelor of Education degree and a Masters degree.
During World War II, Ione volunteered her time entertaining activities for servicemen stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Station, where she met Kenneth Leon Kreamer, an injured Marine. They were united in marriage on October 28th, 1945 at the Somers Congregational Church. Following fifty-seven years of marriage, Kenneth passed away during their 25th winter in Florida on January 7th, 2003.
Ione was a teacher and librarian at the Thomas Jefferson, Paris Corners and Bullamore Forks Schools in Kenosha County and at the Colonel Frank, Roosevelt, Grevenow, Southport and Lance Schools in the city, retiring in 1977 after over four decades, following which she and Ken spent their winters at their home in Hudson, Florida.
Ione was a member of the First United Methodist churches in Kenosha and Hudson, where Ione helped develop a large library, and the United Methodist Women, WEA, KEA and WEA & KEA Retiree's Association, CWAG, Danish Sisterhood of America, Kenosha County Historical Society, Kenosha Women's Club, PEO Sisterhood, Alpha Delta Kappa, and the American Association of University Women. She also served on the board of Meridian House, the Western Kenosha County Historical Society and the Kenosha County Board of Health, representing seniors. Since 2003 Ione devoted her time to volunteering and helping seniors in need. In 1980, Congressman Les Aspin appointed her to the White House Conference on Aging representing Wisconsin.
Ione was the recipient of numerous awards. In 1984 she was honored as one of Wisconsin's ten most admired citizens. There were honors from the American Association of University Women for her years of service; a 1977-to-1992 award for her service on the Advisory Council for Southeastern Wisconsin Area Agency on Aging, and a Certificate of Appreciation for 25 years of service to the Kenosha public schools. In 2004 she received a Lifetime Award for service with the elderly; in 2005 she was awarded a Volunteer Vista brick in Eichelman Park, and from 2005 to 2008 she was involved with "Walk for the Health of It" with Daniel J. Travanty, the event now known as The Ione Kreamer Walk for the Health of It. She received the Distinguished Alumni Award for the 1933 graduating class of Kenosha High School and the Kenosha Area Disability Services Award in 2009.
Ione was very proud of her uncle Gus Mikkelson, a conductor on the first Kenosha Electric Railway (1903-1932). Gus worked on the KERy's last run on the Valentine's Day weekend of 1932.
Ione was survived by a nephew, James (Sharon) Smith of Kenosha; two nieces, Evelyn (Dave) Johnston of Pueblo, Colorado and Eileen Strong of Medicine Lodge, KS; a great-niece, Jennifer Smith (Thomas) Miller of Kenosha; a great-nephew, Michael (Christine Chambers) Smith of Kenosha; two great-great nieces, Hannah and Hailey Miller; and two great-great nephews, Dylan and Ian Smith.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, Merlyn Smith and Lyle Smith in infancy; and two sisters, Lorna Miller and Sheila Ann Harms.
The family extends special thanks to the entire staff of Brookside Care Center for the care and compassion given to their Aunt.
Visitation was held at the funeral home on Sunday, November 6th, 2011 from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m. Funeral services were held on Monday, November 7th at the First Methodist Church at 10:30 A.M. with interment following. Ione loved flowers, but her request was to have donations in her name made to The First United Methodist Church PEO Scholarship Fund, the AAUW Scholarship Fund, Retired Teachers Scholarship Fund or the Danish Sisterhood Lodge.
Proko Funeral Home & Crematory
5111 60th Street, Kenosha
(262) 654-3533
www.prokofuneralhome.com
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