Faber, Irvin E.

Irvin E. Faber, 1934-2010, formerly of Cedar Rapids, owner and operator of Soap Creek Tree Farm, Moravia, passed away suddenly Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010, on the farm he so loved. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 5, at Winfield Funeral Home in Albia, with the Rev. Gene Kubli officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery, Moravia. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 tonight at the funeral home, with Irvin's family present.

Irvin is survived by his wife, Marilynn Worcester Faber (married June 12, 1959, at Olivet Presbyterian, Cedar Rapids); his four daughters, Anne (Mark) Seidl of Cedar Rapids, Susan (Michael) Campfield of St. Paul, Minn., Joan (Jon) McAlister of Indianola and Karen (Joseph) Bovenmyer of Ames; and six grandchildren, Amelia, Daniel, Ellery, Joseph, Georgia and Theron.

Irvin's parents were Richard Andrew Faber and Inez McAlister Faber. He is also survived by his three elder brothers, Vaughn (Blakesburg), Charles (Lexington, Ky.) and Richard Bruce Faber (Des Moines); and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

He was an alumni of Moravia High School (1952), Coe College (where he met Marilynn), and University of Iowa (1959, electrical engineering). He worked for Iowa Electric Light and Power Co. for 32 years.

Tree farmer, expert woodworker, forester, and prairie preserver; he was a Rook player and humorist. On his farm he was a familiar sight for families looking for fresh cut Christmas trees. He was selected Iowa Tree Farmer of the Year 2003.

In 1968, he established Soap Creek Tree Farm, returning to the land where he spent his childhood, and retired there, where he spent 19 years enjoying full-time farm life. He particularly loved sharing his knowledge of nature. However, his greatest joy was his family, to whom he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Memorials may be given to Echo Hill Presbyterian Church, Cedar Rapids, or Trees Forever, Marion.

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