Irene W. Holbrook, 85, of Radcliff, KY passed peacefully on Tuesday, November 26th, 2024 at Baptist Health Hospital in Elizabethtown, KY with her husband and close family friends at her side.

Irene was born July 11,1939, in Lichte, Germany to Eric and Martha Welsch. She spent the early years of her adult life working as a manager at a department store and at a local radio and electronics shop in Germany. In 1960, Irene met her Husband, Ancil “Happy” Holbrook, a soldier stationed at Ansbach, Germany. After quickly falling in love, Ancil convinced Irene to leave her life behind and move to the United States to continue their adventure. After some hard convincing the two married December 14th, 1963. Irene followed Happy through his military service to Fort Hood, TX, Fort Sill, OK, Gelnhausen, Germany and finally Fort Knox, KY where they settled down and planted their roots. Irene served as a housekeeper at a local hotel and as a clerk at K Mart until she retired with Happy to enjoy the Golden Years of their lives together.

Irene was soft-spoken and had a gentle demeanor. She always made sure everyone was taken care of and having a good time. Irene loved flowers, gardening, reading her German novels, cooking, and canning vegetables from her garden. She loved her husband dearly and every moment they spent together was the exact place they wanted to be.

Irene is Preceded in death by her two sons Donald Holbrook of Bolivar, MO and Jurgen Welsch of Lichte, Germany and her parents Eric and Martha Welsch.

She is survived by her loving husband Ancil Holbrook; Grandchildren Hayden (Madison) Holbrook of Harrisonville, MO, Julia Welsch of Litche, Germany; and long-time neighbors and family friends Howard and Heli Smith and Sandra James of Radcliff, KY.

Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM, Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at Chism Family Funeral Home.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central, Radcliff, KY.