Irene J. (Warzecha) Bauer

Irene J. Bauer, 94, resident of Scottsdale, AZ passed away Tuesday, May 12, 2020 in Scottsdale. Irene was born February 26, 1926 in Chicago to the late Michael and Tekla Warzecha. As a child Irene attended the Catholic Church and attended Catholic both grammar and high school. Just after WWII, Irene attended a dance where she met a man by the name of George J. Bauer who she soon married. After she married, Irene worked as a secretary for the Peabody Coal Company in Chicago. After their children were born she worked for a period of time as a part time waitress. In 1971, Irene and her husband moved to Scottsdale, AZ and made their home there.  She enjoyed bowling and was part of a local bowling league in Scottsdale, she dearly loved attending the senior softball games that her husband played in and was proud to wear a World Series ring and pendant. She and her husband were avid fans of the Phoenix Suns. They enjoyed the games so much that they became season ticket holders. Family vacations were very special to her as well, she enjoyed visiting places such as Pinetop, AZ, and Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks. Perhaps one of the most memorable vacation celebrations was an Alaskan Cruise to celebrate her and George’s 50th Wedding Anniversary. There were also several trips back to Illinois to visit family and friends that were very important and enjoyable to her. In later years, after moving to an assisted living facility, she was limited to trips to local restaurants and her favorite, Starbucks. The thing that Irene loved most about this life was her family.  She was a loving mother to her daughter: Chris (Carroll) Phelps of Eldorado, IL, a son: Mark Bauer of Scottsdale, AZ, two grandchildren: Kelly (Kelly) Phelps of Harrisburg, IL, Aaron (Arianne) Phelps of Eldorado, four great grandchildren: Kennedy (Dallas) Cockrum, Kole Phelps, Tori Phelps and Jake Phelps. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by seven siblings: Casey, Leo, Alex, Steve, William, Adeline and Teddy. Irene will be laid to rest in the National Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix, AZ alongside her husband. A memorial service will be held at a later date that her grandson Rev. Aaron Phelps officiating. Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family via the website www.colonialterracefuneralhome.com