Irene Catherine Fowler (née Wopatek)

Irene Fowler, age 96, passed away peacefully early Sunday morning on January 21, 2024, with her loving husband of 71 years, Art, nearby.  Born July 6, 1927, in St. Paul, MN to parents, Albert Wopatek and Sophia (Bulera) Wopatek.  

Irene lived in Roseville near McCarrons Lake for 66 years until moving to Cardigan Ridge of Little Canada in Memory Care two years ago due to dementia. She was fortunate that Art moved in and shared her room to help care for her.   

She is survived by husband, Arthur Fowler; son, Steve (Sue) Fowler; grandchildren, Trisha (Hue) Ngu, Travis Fowler; great-grandchildren, Dylan, Ethan and Samantha Ngu; brother-in-law, Joe Bill (Jo) Fowler; nieces, Kathy Wopatek-Nigsch, Mary Kay Wopatek, Vicki (Jim) Lewellin, Connie Johnson, Carol “Cookie” Sledd, Lisa Reaves, Tammy (Jack) Pound, Mary Fowler; nephews, David (Ruth) Meyers, Mark (Karen) Fowler, Jeff (Vana) Hall, Richard Brooks, John Brooks; other relatives and friends.

Preceded in death by parents, Albert and Sophia Wopatek; brother, Walter (Kay) Wopatek; best friends, Patty Emery and her daughter, Karen Emery.   

Irene “GG” was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who enjoyed traveling, golfing, riding her bicycle around the lake, playing dominoes, and her strong Catholic faith. She formed life-long friendships from her early job at First National Bank of St. Paul, and later within her golf league at Country View Golf Course in Maplewood.       

Private interment at Calvary Cemetery, St. Paul, MN.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial tribute contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

“Goodnight, Irene . . . “