Irwin L. Coats

Irwin L. Coats, born September 4, 1935, in Forest City, Illinois, entered into eternal life on September 15, 2026. Irv was the devoted husband of Elaine (Romzo) Coats for 60 years, loving father of Kristin Meyer (Carl), and cherished Poppi to Betsy Meyer—his sunshine.

A proud United States Navy veteran, Irv later attended Bradley University, graduating with honors in 1962. While at Bradley, he was active in the Veterans Club and was a standout member of the university's bowling team. He earned state and regional honors, represented Bradley at the 1961 National Intercollegiate Bowling Tournament, and later earned recognition in the Daily Herald 600 Club.

An athlete and sports fan throughout his life, Irv excelled in track and field at Havana High School, earning sectional honors and a blue ribbon in the shot put. He also played competitive Chicago-style 16-inch softball in Niles and earned a league batting trophy while playing for the Niles Chamber of Commerce team. He enjoyed playing and watching tennis, fishing, cheering for the Chicago Cubs, and tending his backyard flower beds and bird feeders.

Irv enjoyed a long and distinguished career in business, working first at Standard Oil Company and later at Dun & Bradstreet. He went on to spend 39 years with Wells Lamont, where he served as Director of Administration and Credit Manager.

His commitment to civic leadership and community service was an important part of his life. Irv devoted decades to the Niles Chamber of Commerce & Industry, earning the title of Director Emeritus for Life. He was twice honored with the Chamber's distinguished Ken Scheel Member of the Year Award, known as “The Oscar,” receiving the award in 1984 and 1987 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the organization.

Irv also gave generously of his time in support of healthcare and his community. He served as President and Director of the Men's and Women's Association of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, where he supported hospital initiatives and helped raise funds for Advocate Children's Hospital, the Caldwell Breast Center, the Adult Down Syndrome Center, medical research, patient programs, and community health education.

His faith was an anchor in his life. Irv was a longtime leader and usher at Faith Lutheran Church in Arlington Heights and later served as an usher at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Palatine.

Irv is also survived by his brother, Boyd Coats of Hideaway, Texas; his sister, Gail (George) Hamilton of Peoria, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Anna (Gregory) Coats; his sisters, Rita Smith and Shirley Vaughn; and his brother, Larry Coats.

Irv will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family, his lifetime of service to others, his steadfast strength and determination, his generous heart, and the kindness he extended to everyone around him. He loved deeply and was greatly loved in return.

Visitation will be held at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 1190 N. Hicks Road, Palatine, IL on Tuesday, September 22, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. and a luncheon at the church. Interment at Mount Emblem Cemetery in Elmhurst will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Niles Chamber of Commerce Dollars for Scholars or to Chicago Master Singers.