Irene Adele Waytasek, age 90, of Portage, IN passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 9, 2016 with her loving family at her side. Irene was born in Gary, Indiana on November 25, 1925 to the late Louis and Eugenia Wojtaszek. She graduated from Lew Wallace High School in Gary; and was employed at U.S. Steel Production Planning for 36-1/2 years before retiring in 1985.

Irene was a long-time member of Nativity of Our Savior Parish in Portage where she volunteered in many capacities over the years, including the annual parish festival, the gift counter and making pierogies. She also volunteered her time working in the gift shop at St. Mary's Medical Center in Hobart for more than 10 years. Irene was a member of the Daughters of Isabel, American Legion #207, and the Polish National Alliance. She was very proud of her Polish heritage and greatly enjoyed polka music and dancing. She was an avid gardener and spent many hours working on her flowerbeds. She also enjoyed needlework and made several beautiful pieces during her lifetime.

Irene was very independent and remained active throughout her 90 years. She touched many lives and was dearly loved by her family and friends. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Irene is survived by two nieces and a nephew: Karen (Herald) Hostetler of Valparaiso, IN, Sharon (David) Polfus of St. Joseph, MI and Kellen Kornell of Leawood, KS, in addition to several great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her extended family: Stephanie Tokarz of Dunedin, FL, Pattie Gospodarek of Hobart, IN and Tom (Frieda) Zytko of North Las Vegas, NV. We wish to express our sincere and deepest thanks to the entire Zytko family, including the late Adele, Steve and Jerry, for making Irene a part of their family and sharing their love with her all these years. Irene was preceded in death by two brothers and sisters-in-law: Arthur (Helen) Waytasek and Eugene (Eleanore) Kornell; and her special friend Edmund Krzyzewski.

A Mass of Christian burial will be conducted at 10:00 am Thursday, January 14, 2016 directly at Nativity of Our Savior Catholic Church 2949 Willowcreek Road, Portage, Indiana 46368. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Portage. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 2016 from 3:00-5:00pm and 6:00- 8:00 pm, with a 4:00 pm Rosary Service at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave. Portage, IN. 46368
Online condolences may be submitted at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.