Irene C. Giese (nee Cervantes), age 77 of Portage passed away Saturday, February 12, 2011. She was born on November 21, 1933 in Gary Indiana to the late Luis and Celia Cervantes. Irene was a lifelong area resident and a Portage resident since 1964. She enjoyed spending time with her family, friends, and most importantly her grandchildren.

She is survived by her children, Arthur "Ed" (Janice) Giese III of Chesterton, IN; Kathy Johnson of Portage, IN; Kevin Lee Giese of Chesterton, IN; Mike (Trish) Giese of Schererville, IN; Gina (Jamie) Giese-Hurst of Portage, IN; Jim Giese of Valparaiso, IN; 3 brothers, Robert (Betty) Cervantes of Hobart, IN; Louis (Theresa) Cervantes of Gary, IN; Richard (Linda) Cervantes of Cedar Lake, IN; 3 sisters, Teresa (Leo) Arellano of Gary, IN; Margaret (Ken) Scott of TX; Mary Lou Hamilton of Valparaiso, IN; grandchildren, Michele and Mandy Stanton, Adam, Austin, Rachel and Hannah Giese, Robby Johnson, Marissa and Lauren Hurst, and 1 great-grandchild, Odin Giese.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Irene's honor are preferred to the American Cancer Association or the American Diabetes Association.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur "Art" Giese, Jr., daughter, Lori Giese, and brother, Charles Cervantes.

Funeral services are Thursday, February 17, 2011 at 10 a.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave., Portage with Rev. Andrew Corona officiating. Burial will follow at Blake Cemetery, Portage. Visitation is Wednesday, February 16, 2011 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, Portage. Call (219) 762-3013 or online at www.Reesfuneralhomes.com.