Iris "Irish" Estelle Fenton Age 97, of Rice Lake, WI, passed away December 22, 2024.

She was born on March 24, 1927, to Estelle Emmert Fenton and James Leonard Fenton, and grew up on Silver Lake near Cumberland, WI. Iris dedicated her time caring for her family and managing the farm during her 33-year marriage to Raymond Knutson. She worked as a bookkeeper at Link Ford and Kelly Furniture in Rice Lake. Iris participated in the National Organization for Women (NOW) to support women’s rights issues. Iris cherished time with her grandchildren, eagerly awaiting their visits, calls, and cards. She listened, offered advice, wrote notes, and encouraged their creativity. Professionally known as "Irish", she founded Lake Silver Music Company and Silver Records. “Irish” shared her life experiences creatively through storytelling, poetry, songwriting, and music producing over one hundred songs, recording albums, and publishing her writing. “Irish” dedicated this work to her daughters, grandchildren, and their children in future years.

She is survived by her children Lynda Kolzow and Kathy Henderson, 8 grandchildren - Bobbie (Wayne) Boyd, Sheri Huebner, Terry (Elissa) Holmstrom, Debbie (Chris) Friedel, Darryl (Jo) Holmstrom, Scott (Colleen) Holmstrom, Holly (Aaron) Groff, Ryan (Jami) Roux; 11 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; siblings – Fern Jerry, Myrtle Wester, and Earl Fenton; son-in-law Dean Kolzow; and former husband Raymond Knutson.

Private Family Funeral Service will be held Saturday, December 28, 2024 at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI, Rev. Arthur Bergren officiating, with interment in the Lakeside Cemetery in Cumberland, WI.

Last Update: Dec 24, 2024 1:06 pm CST