Gary Irven

Gary was born November 3, 1947, to Marcus “Mike” and Helen Carlson Irven in Muscatine, Iowa. The family moved to Bloomfield, Iowa, when Gary was a small child.

Gary is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jamie Burns Irven; and two children, Marcus Burns Irven (Megan Giller) and Jennifer Joy Weers (Steve). He is also survived by two precious grandchildren, Emily Weers and Zachary Weers. Gary is also survived by his sister, Jan Irven Daft; his sister-in-law, Janet Townsend; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Judith DeFord and Connie Jo Coulter.

Gary’s family moved to Bloomfield, Iowa, when he was a small boy, and he attended school there. He played football and wrestled in high school, and attended college at Muscatine Community College on a wrestling scholarship.

Gary and Jamie lived in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where Gary worked for Square D Company and had a milk hauling business. In 1977, they moved to the Peoria area. He last worked at Caterpillar, at the logistics facility in Morton, where he was a supervisor in the warehouse.

Gary was active in various organizations, serving as Cub Master, Scout Master, Band Booster President, Sunday School teacher, and Homeowners Association president. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, woodworking, and playing cards—but most of all, he loved spending time with his family.

Gary was a member of The Master's Touch Sunday school class and Bethany Church in Edwards, where his family has arranged a memorial service to be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. The family will greet visitors at 10:00 a.m. preceding the service.

The family would like to thank everyone for the prayers, cards, meals, and support during Gary’s last illness. Special thanks to the Vitas Hospice team for lovingly caring for Gary following his mesothelioma diagnosis.

Memorials have been established for Bethany Church at https://bethanycentral.org/give or Peoria Christian School at https://www.peoriachristian.org/giving

Online condolences may be shared with Gary's family at www.Woolsey-Wilton.com