Irene Carol Gordon

July 13, 1945 - February 9, 2025

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Irene “Cookie” Carol Gordon (nee Kuklinski) was born on July 13, 1945 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She was confirmed at Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church. She passed away on February 9, 2025. Daughter of the late Stefan “Steve” and Irene (nee George) Kuklinski. Loving sister of Deborah (Jim) Brenn, Janis (Bob) Gregory, and Cheryl (James Issacs) Wendlandt.

Proud Aunt of Heather (late Mike) Albrecht, Christopher (Colby) Brenn, Brooke (Brett) Slimmer, Erik (Michaela) Brenn, Nathan (Kelsey) Brenn; Justin (Chrissy) Gregory; Jessica (Roger) Brossart, Nichole (Nate) Vetter, Kevin Jr. (Chelsea) Wendlandt, and the late Jennifer Gregory.

Also survived by many cousins, great nieces, great nephews, other family members and friends.

Irene graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran High School Class of 1963. She was active in many clubs and won first place in State Music Festival her sophomore and junior year. She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 1968. Irene taught English and Sociology at J.I. Case High School for 32 years and retired in 2000. She was an avid activist and cared deeply for all people, and was proud to serve as president of the Racine Teachers Union, Local 325.

Irene enjoyed singing, concerts, travel, cultural events, and musicals. She loved collecting owls, books, and cultural artifacts.

May she rest in solace and peace.

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Irene's generosity of spirit manifested in her buying me two theatre subscriptions every year for the last few years. She loved talking on the phone and enjoyed my long letters about goings on in nature. I know she had been struggling and needed the release of transitioning, but she is a tremendous loss for me personally, never missing a card for different holidays. I can only thank her and bless her other mourners.

Ms Gordon was my English teacher way back in 1988. She was one of the few teachers who allowed me to "colour outside the lines" in class, encouraging us to go beyond the written word and express ourselves in other ways on the joy of the text. She will be greatly missed by those of us who had the joy of being in her classes.

I remember Icky as a classmate always willing to help.

I taught with Irene at Case HS for 17 years. She was a caring colleague and office mate. Even after her retirement she kept in touch with me and my husband, continually sharing cards for holidays. We especially enjoyed sharing solstice cards in lieu of Christmas greetings. She was one of the most unusual and interesting people I have known and I will miss her.

As a long-time colleague of Irene's at Case HS I will always remember her as one who cared about her friends, family and the students that she taught. The world has lost a kind soul!

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Good night sweet gentle Irene. We will remember you.

Our sympathies to you Debbie and your family on the passing of your sister. Her victory is won! I Know That My Redeemer Lives.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.

Irene Carol Gordon

Brookfield

Brown Deer Road

Capitol Drive

New Berlin