Marcus, Iowa – Cecil J. Irwin, 81, of Marcus, Iowa passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2009 at Happy Siesta Care Center in Remsen, Iowa. Funeral services will take place at 10: 30 a.m. on Monday, March 2, 2009 at Grace United Methodist Church in Marcus, Iowa. Rev. Gary McDonough will officiate. Burial will follow at Marcus Amherst Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 1, 2009 at the Grace Untied Methodist Church. The family will be present from 5-8 p.m. with a prayer service scheduled for 7:00 p.m. There will also be one hour of visitation at the church prior to the service on Monday.
Cecil John Irwin was born on October 23, 1927 on the family farm in Grand Meadow Township to William and Lucinda (Hall) Irwin. He graduated from Grand Meadow in 1945. On July 27, 1947 Cecil and Bonnie Woodall were united in marriage at the Mt. Pleasant Church, rural Marcus, Iowa. The couple made their home on a farm in Grand Meadow where Cecil planted his first 80 acres. He was also trucking at the time. In 1961 Cecil and Bonnie purchased a farm near Marcus. Throughout the years Cecil served on numerous committees and boards at Grace United Methodist Church. He also served on the Farmers’ Coop Elevator Board, the Community Coop Board, Township Trustee Board, and the Cemetery Board. Cecil loved the soil and was a true steward of the land. Growing corn and soybeans was his life’s desire. He also raised cattle and hogs. He enjoyed golfing and attending his grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s events. His family and friends were very dear to him. Coffee with friends and family gatherings were always welcomed.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 61 years, Bonnie Irwin of Marcus, IA; a daughter Julie Sand and her husband Chuck of Marcus, IA; two sons Wyman Irwin and his wife Angie of Tampa, FL and Marty Irwin and his wife Kris of Marcus, IA; ten grandchildren Stephanie and Denny Spieler, Matthew Simons, Tony and Shelley Simons, Nicole and Andy Busch, Donovan Irwin, Thomas Irwin, William Irwin, Billie and Ryan George, Katie Irwin, and Kelli Irwin; eight great-grandchildren; a sister Beverly Petersen and her husband Dean of Cleghorn, IA; a brother Kenneth Irwin and his wife Maxine of Washta, IA; a sister-in-law Dorothy Meister of Kingsley, IA; a brother-in-law Wesley Hirschman of Cherokee, IA; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson Derek Irwin; a son-in-law Chuck Simons; in-laws Louise Hirschman, Mary and George Rutter, and Roy Meister.