Passed away on Dec 28, 2009

Irene G. Malleck, age 76, of Black River Falls, died on Monday, December 28, 2009 in her home. Irene Gertrude Snowball was born on December 2, 1933 in Eau Claire to Luke Sr. and Annie (Waukon) Snowball. She was raised in the Black River Falls area and had the distinction of graduating from Black River Falls High School at the age of 16. She later graduated from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse. She was employed as an elementary school teacher in rural communities during the 1950’s. She later married Larry Malleck and they lived in Chicago. Following Larry’s retirement, the couple settled in rural Black River Falls Irene was the first Elderly Director for the Ho-Chunk Nation Health Department Headquarters at Wisconsin Rapids/Nekoosa. She managed both State Title III and Federal Title VI Native American Aging programs. At that time, the Ho-Chunk Nation took advantage of both State and Federal funds – possibly the first tribe to do so. She was a member of the Native American Church of North America. She enjoyed playing bingo, visiting casinos, going for car rides, crossword puzzles, playing solitaire, and Chinese checkers. She was always light-hearted and good natured working with all elders and others. She is survived by a daughter, Angela (Joel) Smith of Hixton, WI; 5 sons, Greg (Teresa) Gromoff, Clint Gromoff, and Michael Gromoff all of Black River Falls, Bernard Denasha of Wilton, and Ronald Martin of Baraboo; 12 grandchilren; a great grandchild; and a sister, Mildred A. Decorah of Merrillan. She was preceded in death by her parents, Luke Sr. and Annie (Waukon) Snowball; her husband, Larry Malleck; a daughter, Linda Shegonee; a son, Constantine Gromoff Jr.; brothers, Dan Snowball, Lawrence Snowball, Luke Snowball Jr., Frank Snowball, Phillip Snowball, and Gordon Snowball; and sisters, Mathila WhiteDog, Mildred B. Snowball, Exhilda Goodbear, and Lorraine Carrimon; and nieces, Dorothy Goodbear, Rita Carrimon, and Jenny Carrimon. Native American Church of North America funeral sevices will be held at 1 P.M. on Thursday, December 31, 2009 at the District One Community Center and burial will be in the Winnebago United Church of Christ Cemetery, both in rural Black River Falls. Wayne Falcon will be the presiding elder. Family and friends are invited for visitation after 4 P.M on Wednesday at the District One Community Center. The Buswell Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.buswellfuneralhome.com.