Irene Wiltsie

Irene Semanisin Wiltsie, age 94, of Rochester died Feb. 9, 2024 at Shorewood Place in Rochester, MN.

She was born December 18, 1929 to Joseph and Mary (Pazinko) Semanisin of Olyphant, PA. Preceding her in death were her parents and 6 siblings: John, George, William, Marie, Ann, and Helen.

Irene graduated from High School in Olyphant, PA, then earned an RN degree in 1950 at Scranton, PA State Hospital Nursing School. She and her classmates worked together at several hospitals as nurses until Irene settled in Bethlehem, PA where she worked as an Emergency Room nurse. It was there she met her future husband, John (Jack) C. Wiltsie of Hazleton, PA who worked at the hospital while attending Lehigh University.

She and Jack were married September 5, 1955 at the Lehigh University Chapel in Bethlehem, PA, then moved to Philadelphia while her husband finished medical school. After his graduation, internship and residency, they lived in Stuttgart, Germany while two years of U.S. Army military service were completed by her husband. They moved to Rochester in June of 1962 where her husband completed his training at Mayo and became a Staff member.

They were members of Bethel Lutheran Church where Irene served as summer Bible School teacher, later serving as nurse coordinator for those requiring assistance in obtaining Hospice aide, visitation, and medical assistance plans. She also volunteered in other capacities at Church as well as delivering weekly Meals on Wheels for over 35 years.

Irene is survived by her husband and four children: Doug (Terry) of Rochester, MN, Diane of Crestline, CA, Cynthia Stiebling (Charles) of Dallas, TX and David (Lisa) of Underwood, WA. There are three grandchildren: Ben of Rochester (Brie), Joshua (Tressa) of Chaska, MN, and Molly Seaworth of Crestline, CA. There are 6 great-grandchildren: Cambelle and Paige Wiltsie of Rochester, MN, and Blayne, Jadea, Levi, and Tyler Wiltsie of Chaska, MN.

A private family funeral service is planned.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Wiltsie family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com