Irene Flieth

Irene Flieth

Age 95 of Shadow Lakes, Wilmington, Illinois, died Monday morning, December 15, 2025 at Alden Courts in Shorewood, Illinois.

Born October 19, 1930, in Chicago, Irene was the daughter of William and Hedwig (Reichstein) Ellinghaus. She was raised in Chicago’s Roseland neighborhood and graduated from Fenger High School. On November 28, 1953, she married the love of her life, Robert R. Flieth, who preceded her in death on December 4, 2007.

Over the years, Irene made her home in Calumet Park and later Tinley Park before settling at Shadow Lakes. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Wilmington and was active in the VFW. Irene also generously devoted her time as a Camp Fire leader and as a lecturer for Weight Watchers, encouraging and supporting countless people along the way.

Irene had many passions. She loved playing pinochle, cooking, especially traditional German dishes, and spending her winters in Florida. During her time in Florida she embraced community life, emceed talent shows, and never hesitated to share her energy and enthusiasm with those around her.

Irene will be remembered for her warmth, her spirited nature, and the many lives she touched throughout her 95 remarkable years.

Survivors include her children: Karen (Neil) Hyatte of Hebron, Indiana, Kathleen (William) McGonagill of Mokena, Illinois, Patricia (Warren) Winker of Worth, Illinois and Nancy (Glenn) Barclay of Wilmington; five grandchildren: Patrick (Molly) McGonagill, Christopher (Brittany) Campione, Nicholas (Marni) Campione, Lindsey (Anthony) Cortesi and Kevin (Melissa) Peterson; great grandchildren: Sophia and Jack McGonagill, Cohen, Brady, and Kalli Campione, Emerson Peterson, Chase, and Andie Campione; one brother, William (Karen) Ellinghaus of Frankfort and sister-in-law, Jean Remington of Downers Grove, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington on Friday, December 19, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.  Funeral services will immediately follow with Rev. Harriette Cross from the First United Methodist Church in Wilmington officiating.

Burial will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, where she will be laid to rest with her late husband. Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers will be her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Irene’s memory to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. 

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Irene’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Cremation. (815-476-2181)