Martin Jr. 'Irv, ' Irving Francis

Irving Francis Martin Jr. “Irv” of Cedar Rapids passed away at home after a brief illness at the age of 68.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy; his children, Ric of California and Linda (Steve) Kappler of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Hannah and Kylie Tichy and Kyle Kappler; sister, Patricia Albin, Cedar Rapids; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Percy (Klumpar) and Jim Caviness, Cedar Rapids.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Jacqueline Sloan.

Irv enjoyed life. He was born Nov. 26, 1941, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Willadene (Miller) and Irving Francis Martin Sr. He worked as a union electrician for over 45 years and truly enjoyed the brotherhood. While work was important to him and it was something he was good at, it is not what defined him as a person.

Those who had the pleasure to know him undoubtedly have a favorite story about him and it is those stories that will keep his memory alive for a long time. He enjoyed his dogs and his garden, but most of all he enjoyed his family and friends, and that is what will define the memory of the man.

He was fortunate enough to find the love of his life, Kathy (Klumpar), both graduates of Jefferson High School in 1960. They were married for 47 years - it was a romance that lasted to the very end. That love shines through to his family. Whether he was Papa Irv or Uncle Irv, he was always there for and cared for his entire family. Papa Irv played a very important role in the lives of his granddaughters who will have wonderful memories of pancake breakfasts, sporting events, and road trips to share for years to come. He had many great friends and never hesitated to tell the stories of these friendships and the countless number of good times he had with them to anyone who would listen, and people did love to listen to him tell those stories. We should all be so lucky to have a spouse, parent, or friend like Irv.

There will be no memorial service or memorial fund, however, the family requests you make sure to tell your family and friends you love them and please lift a toast in honor of Irv as he starts his next great adventure.

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