Irene A. Stamp

Irene Alma Stamp was called home to heaven on July 29th, 2026 at the age of 96.

Irene was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 18th, 1929. She was the eldest of four daughters born to Harry and Alma Shiley. As a child of God, Irene attended both Lutheran grade school and Wisconsin Lutheran High School in Milwaukee. After graduation, she lovingly supported and waited to marry her first husband, Marlyn Schroeder, who was studying to become a pastor. They wed on June 7th, 1953. They moved to Watertown, South Dakota for his first call into the public pastoral ministry. Her life as a pastor’s wife filled her with joy and took her around the country and the world. They served in Watertown, South Dakota, Arlington, Wisconsin, Hong Kong, and finally in Appleton, Wisconsin.

They were blessed with two children, David and Ann. Irene’s children were a part of their ministry and accompanied them from South Dakota to all the way to Hong Kong. They all lived overseas as part of the missionary team and eventually returned to Wisconsin to build a brand-new church in Appleton. The church built was Mount Olive Lutheran. This was one of Irene’s favorite places where she diligently and faithfully served as a pastor’s wife because she witnessed the church being built from the ground up. She held Mount Olive close to her heart as it was the final place of her husband’s pastoral ministry before he passed in 1973. In addition to her duties of a pastor’s wife, she was part of the Lutheran Women's Missionary Society and Ladies Aid. She cherished her friendships and valued the community she had there. This is the church she called home until Jesus called her home to heaven.

Irene had a love for travel. During her time as a travel agent, she met her second husband Jerry Stamp, from Wales, Great Britain, while on a cruise for work. They remained in touch after the cruise and eventually were married in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, Great Britain in 1992. She moved to Wales and spent the next phase of her life traveling the world. In that chapter of her life, she was blessed with even more beautiful family members through marriage. She loved and was loved dearly by her step son, Julian Stamp and his children, Matthew and Lauren. Her former daughter- in- law Jackie Stamp and her husband Mike Wilkinson also held special places in her heart as members of her Welsh family. She was also blessed with many other friendships, caring neighbors, and world traveling friends that she loved sharing life with over in Wales.

She moved back home to Appleton, Wisconsin in 2018 to spend the final chapter of her life in the United States.

Irene is remembered for being a traveler, the queen of snacks, and for her unwavering love for her church and Savior. She passed that love of travel on to her children and grandchildren. If asked about different countries or travel destinations, she would be elated to tell you, “Yes, I have been there!” She is also lovingly remembered as “Nana” to her grandchildren and family. Nana is remembered for her love of snacks and was never short of treats, candies, and cookies to share with her friends, family, and grandchildren both in the US and Wales. Mount Olive held a special place in her heart and she was devoted staying connected to her church and Savior at home and abroad.

Irene is survived by her two children, David (Maridee) Schroeder and Ann Brukardt; her step-son, Julian (Allyson) Stamp; former daughter-in-law, Jackie (Mike Wilkinson) Stamp; her grandchildren, Matthew (Carly) Stamp, Robyn (Aaron) Ashman, Lauren Stamp, Amber (Mike) Huberty, and Sailor Brukardt; and her great-grandchildren, Liam and Nate Stamp, and Summer and Savannah Huberty.  Irene is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Irene is preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Alma Shiley; her first husband, Marlyn Schroeder; her second husband, Jerry Stamp; and her three sisters, Miriam Satorius, JoAnn Lanser, and Lois Shapekahm.

A funeral visitation will be held for Irene from 4-8 PM on Friday, August 14, 2026 at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior St, Appleton, WI 54911.  A second visitation will be held from 9-11 AM the following day, Saturday, August 15, 2026 at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 930 E. Florida Ave, Appleton, WI 54911 with a funeral service to follow at 11 AM.  Irene will be laid to rest at Union Cemetery in Dale, WI.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established for her various charitable passions.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the medical team and staff on the 8th floor at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Appleton and also to those at Cherry Meadows Hospice in Appleton. Their care, love and support for Irene during her final days is appreciated and will be remembered.

Even though Irene’s earthly feet were constantly on the move and traveling the world, she always remembered that Christ was her rock no matter where she was. One of her favorite hymn lines was:

“On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.”