Jerry M. Irvine, 73, of Moline, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

The family is holding a private funeral service and will celebrate Jerry's life with friends and family with a gathering in the summer.

Jerry was born on July 28, 1951, in Fort Dodge, IA, to Jerry and Mary (Ray) Irvine. His early years were spent in Fort Dodge, IA, riding his horse (Blazes), running around the woods near Johnston Clay Works, and becoming a good enough wrestler to get a scholarship to S.I.U.E., where he got his bachelor's in science. In college, during the summers, he worked at Landuit's Lake where Louise introduced him to the love of his life, Marsha. On their first date, he took her for a motorcycle ride and drove recklessly enough until Marsha asked if she could hold onto him, to which he replied, "Why do you think I'm doing it?" One thing led to another, and they married in 1976. The following year, their first child, Shanna, was born, and he began coaching wrestling at Blackhawk while starting his construction career. A few years later, he had built the family home and welcomed his first son, Jerad. Soon after, he started Irvine Construction Company, where Sam Sparrow worked with him, and their projects can be seen all over the Quad-Cities. A few years later, Lucas was born, and the Irvine crew was complete.

He then spent the next 42 years showing his family what it meant to be a man, husband, father, and grandfather. We never had to ask him for help—he was already there helping. We never questioned if he knew what he was doing—he did. We never wondered if he loved us—we knew he did. His last stage of life was spent being a grandfather to his 10 grandchildren. They softened him up more than anyone ever could and brought a new spark to his life. He was endlessly curious about their lives, their dreams, and, of course, loved hearing about any trouble they got into.

There is a running joke in the family that we don't even bother telling people many of the stories he accumulated, because unless they knew him well, we knew they wouldn't believe us. He hitchhiked back and forth to Marsha, rode across the country on his motorcycle, beat wrestlers he shouldn't have, and also wrestled a bear he shouldn't have. Even better than hearing about his experiences was listening to him tell the stories himself and encouraging you to not be afraid to make your own.

We will never forget you, you will always be our hero, you will always be our papa, we love you.

Those left to cherish Jerry's memory are his wife, Marsha; children, Jerad (Brandy) Irvine and Lucas (Melissa) Irvine; grandchildren, Reagan, Talon, Daylee, Lucy, Oscar, Olive, Eloise, Ira, August, and Ezra; and sister, Cynthia Pogge.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Shanna, who remained in his every thought; his parents; and siblings, Tom Irvine, Anna Maria Leonard, and Jean Aney.