• Memorial Visitation: Friday, April 17, 2026 from 11am-1pm  at HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME (16880 W. National Ave.)
• Funeral Service: Friday, April 17, 2026 at 1pm at HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME (16880 W. National Ave.)

 

Irene L. Ovokaitys-Krentz

 

Irene L. Ovokaitys-Krentz, age 87, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2026, at Linden Grove in New Berlin, WI.  Irene was born on November 27, 1938, in Dickinson, ND, the daughter of  John and Monica Perzinski. She graduated from Dickinson High School.  On May 3, 1958, she married  James Ovokaitys and had six children: Jane, Jim, Tom, Paul, Patty, and Dan.  Together they shared 25 years of marriage before James’ passing in August of 1983.

Irene was a hardworking woman and was employed as a telephone operator for 30 years.  On August 25, 1995, Irene married Frank Krentz in Milwaukee.  Shortly after, they moved to Lake Havasu, AZ, which they enjoyed for 5 years but decided to return to their roots and family, settling in Watertown, WI.  After Frank’s health started to fail, they moved to an assisted living facility in New Berlin, WI.  Together, they enjoyed 29 years of marriage.

Irene enjoyed a variety of pastimes over the years, like playing the accordion, line dancing, playing cards, and going on gambling bus trips.  She was a social person and loved visiting with friends and family, watching game shows, and Green Bay Packer games.

She will be remembered by her family and the many friends she made throughout the years as a very kind woman with a sense of humor and a warm, caring heart.

Irene is survived by her six children: Jane (Mark) Zalewski of South Milwaukee, WI, Patricia (Clark) Kinney of Palmer, AK, Tom (Donna) Ovokaitys of Cedar Springs, MI, Jim (Lucy) Ovokaitys of Milwaukee, WI, Paul (Cindy) Ovokaitys of Muskego, WI and Dan (Dawn) Ovokaitys of Oconomowoc, WI , her step-daughter, Kari (Bill) Hilgendorf of Wisconsin Rapids;  13 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren, her 4 siblings: Dee Feth, John Perzinski, Linda Bonnsetter, Dean Perzinski; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The family would like to extend special thanks to her best friend, Marilyn Mattson, and the many neighbors, caregivers, and medical staff who assisted Irene in her time of need.

Memorial visitation will be held on Friday April 17, 2026 at HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME 16880 W. National Ave. in New Berlin, WI from 11 am until the time of service at 1:00pm.

If so desired memorials to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital greatly appreciated.

 

 

Note: This obituary is the property of Heritage Funeral Homes and is published here with permission from the family. If you are viewing it on any website other than www.heritagefuneral.com, please be aware it has been copied without consent and may not reflect the most accurate or complete information.

 

Heritage Funeral Home

16880 W. National Ave.            (262) 901-1140

www.heritagefuneral.com

PRINT