Eittreim, Irving Robert 1930-2006
EITTREIM, ROHM, SMITHLING, BROOKS, IMSE
Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 8/27/2012 at 11:30:50
Irving R. Eittreim, age 76, of Decorah, Iowa, died on Sunday, September 17, 2006 at his home following a short illness.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 20, 2006 at the First Lutheran Church, Decorah, Iowa, with Rev. Steven Jacobsen officiating. Burial will be Phelps Cemetery, Decorah, Iowa.
Friends may call from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the Schluter – Balik Funeral Home and after 10:00 a.m. at the church on Wednesday morning.
Irving Robert Eittreim was born on June 6, 1930, the son of Oliver Maurice and Mabel (Rohm) Eittreim in Decorah, Iowa. Irving attended school in Decorah, graduating from high school in 1948. He entered Luther College in the fall of 1948, pursuing a career in Physics and Mathematics. His education was interrupted by his enlistment in the United States Navy, during which time he served as an Aviation Electronics Technician aboard the Naval Vessel U.S.S. Currituck SS. Irving married Jean Ann Smithling on April 23, 1951 at the First Congregational United Church of Christ. Irving returned to Decorah and Luther College, and continued his education, graduating in 1956 with a BA Degree. He also received his Master’s Degree in Mathematics from the University of Northern Iowa. He taught for one semester in Viroqua, Wisconsin, and then returned to Decorah, where he taught in the High School Mathematics Department and served as Head of the Mathematics Dept., retiring in 1993. Since his retirement, he has been involved in several activities: Treasurer of the First Lutheran Church, and active member of PDK, Treasurer of the Winneshiek County Historical Society, and Treasurer of the County Civil War Monument Restoration Project. Irving was a member of the First Lutheran Church, lifetime member of the DAV and NEA; member of the National Council of Teachers of Math and the Iowa State Council of Teachers of Math, and the Phi Delta Kappa Educational Fraternity.
Irving will be remembered for his impact on the numbers of students, as many members of the community with whom he came in contact. In the words of one former student—“Mr. E. was in inspiration to many students----funny, as well as kind, well-mannered and one of the most decent persons ever to live. He was much more than a teacher – touching other areas such as English, history and physics.”
We thank God for this life that was shared by so many, and whose impact will be remembered for years to come.
Irving’s survivors include his three sisters: Marilyn Eittreim, Decorah, IA; Carol (Richard) Brooks, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA; and Janice Imse, Land O’Lakes, WI. One brother: Pastor Kinley (Ann) Eittreim, Huntsville, AL, as well as several nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.
Irving was preceded in death by his parents; his wife: Jean on May 12, 1998; three brothers: Oliver, Jr., Curtis and Pastor Orrin Eittreim.
The family encourages that memorials may be given to the Winneshiek County Hospice, 901 Montgomery St. Decorah, IA 52101.
Source: Schluter - Balik Funeral Home database
Phelps Cemetery
Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Jeff Getchell.
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