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Irvin E. Posey “Opi” left this earth on October 15, 2018 surrounded by his loving family to the end. He had spent several months in hospice at American Heritage Nursing Home in Hammond, Wisconsin where he had lots of very good and happy days.  Irvin was born to George and Hazel Posey (Stafford) on May 6, 1932 in Balsam Lake, Wisconsin.  He had two brothers, Edward and Alvin, and a sister, Ila. Hunting and fishing were a way of life and a passion for Irvin, and as a child he learned to handle a team of horses, guns, and fishing poles. He loved his grandparents and was taught by his grandpa how to fix and make things. Irvin received his education in Balsam Lake, Wisconsin and joined the Army in 1949. He went through Noncommissioned Officers school in Berlin at Military Post APO 742 US Army. Sergeant Irvin Posey met Evelyn Kusch while stationed in Berlin.  They were united in marriage and in 1954 the couple brought their daughter Stephanie home to the US.  

Irvin then attended a school in Minneapolis to learn vinyl, tiling and Formica work. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t make or remodel, but he was not so great at fixing cars.   Several years later a son Mark was born and then followed two daughters, Sonja and Harriet. The family lived in Minneapolis for many years until the marriage ended.

Irvin moved back to Deer Park, Wisconsin with Grandpa George (Big O) and took care of him until his death. Irvin met Audrey Ludovico 30 years ago and the two lived a very happy life together.  Audrey was called a Saint for many reasons.  She had the feisty personality needed to keep up with Irvin and the couple had many similar interests like dancing, playing cards, canning, going to the casino, football, hunting and the two even shared the same birthday.   In his younger years Irvin was a great bowler and ball player.   He loved to take his team of horses out for little rides, and proudly showed them in parades.   When Opi came around there was never a dull moment and he was known by many of his cousins to have a mischievous side.   Opi did the things he loved to do until the end, hunting up at the shack in Taylors Falls with Dan Benson and Darrel Johnson, and ice fishing on North Center Lake with his son Mark.  Fall was his favorite time of year and he was happy just to sit outside, enjoy the weather and watch the birds. Opi always enjoyed visiting with friends and having coffee, always with some type of cake or cookies.

Irvin was preceded in death by his parents, George and Hazel Posey; brothers, Edward and Alvin; sister Ila Senum; his ex-wife, Evelyn Titrud; sister in law Fern Posey; beloved grandson David Larson; his nephew Keith Senum and very good friend Harry Peterson. Opi leaves behind his partner for life  Audrey Ludovico and her sons, Louie (Josie), Robert (Kathy), and Anthony.  He also leaves behind his children, daughter Stephanie (Floyd) Larson and their children Max, (Jenna) and their daughter, Aja and son Ashton Posey, Douglas and son Coal Larson, who is in the Wisconsin Army National Guard; son, Mark (Karen) Posey and their son, Anthony Johnson and great grandson Odin, daughter Emily Posey (Cody Brust) and great grandson  Carter; daughter, Sonja Posey and her children Christopher and Monica Bemlott, and a great grandson, River Bemlott; daughter, Harriet (Tom) Anschutz and their sons, Philip and Stefan. Also left behind is a nephew, Jon Senum as well as good friends Ronnie Boe, Al West, Leroy Lodemeier, Dale Taber and many, many more who were very special and loved by Irvin.  

Funeral services will take place at 11 am  Saturday, October 27, 2018 at Georgetown Lutheran Church in Georgetown Township.  A visitation will be held from 4 to 7 pm on Friday, October 26, 2018 at the Williamson-White Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Amery, WI as well as the hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will take place at a later date.  To sign an online guest book and view a video tribute, visit www.williamsonwhite.com.

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