Gregory Price Irwin

Greg was born on September 27, 1945 in South Bend, IN. At a young age, he moved to Davenport, IA, in the Quad Cities with his parents Clarence (Hap) and Maye Irwin. Hap supported the family designing window displays for Simon and Landauer department stores, while Greg learned dedication to schoolwork from Maye. Along the way, he developed a love for baseball; he and his friends had great success on the field. They fell one game short of the 1957 Little League World Series, and several years later they won an Iowa High School State Championship for Davenport West High School.

Upon graduation, Greg matriculated to the State University of Iowa (as it was known at the time), to continue his education and become the first in his family to graduate from college. As a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity, where he served in multiple roles, It was here he met Billie Jean Redfield, who would become the love of his life. It was also in Iowa City that he developed another love: the Iowa Hawkeyes. While in school, he helped finance his education through ROTC Training, and left college in 1967 prior to graduation to join the Army as an officer despite the typical ROTC requirement of a degree before being named an officer. He eventually rose to the rank of Captain and left the service in 1970 to finalize his education and graduate from the University of Iowa.

During this time, on June 8, 1968, Greg was lucky enough to marry Billie Jean (B.J.). They recently celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. After Military Service, they made their lives together in Newton, IA, where they raised their family and made lifelong friends. Their marriage has become an example of a loving and successful marriage for their family. Throughout their life together they were active members of their Church Communities in Newton and eventually Galesburg, IL; Pella, IA; and Chicago, IL. During his time in Newton, Greg served on the board of directors and volunteered for Progress Industries, a nonprofit dedicated to providing opportunities for persons with developmental disabilities. He served on the Session at First Presbyterian Church in Newon and the Consistory at the Second Reformed Church in Galesburg.

Greg was a role model to his two boys, teaching the importance of the love of family and friends, a strong work ethic, and a love for the Cubs and the Hawkeyes. He enjoyed coaching them both in little league, teaching them about sportsmanship and teamwork, while growing their shared love for the game. He was a loving grandparent to his two grandchildren, and loved seeing them grow up. Being able to live in the same city with both grandchildren in the last few years has been one of his life’s great joys. He also had great relationships with extended family, nieces, nephews, cousins, 2nd cousins, and in-laws. Greg left wonderful memories with all.

He had an amazingly successful career. From 1972-2006, Greg was a Human Resources executive at Maytag Corporation in Newton and Galesburg, serving in many different roles. While his work provided for his family, it was more than that to Greg. He was both a dedicated employee to his mentors and manager to those on his teams.

He made friendships at work, at church, with neighbors, through golf, and his sports fandom which lasted a lifetime. Friendships were of utmost importance to Greg & B.J. as the outpouring of love and support since his passing has shown. While his friends probably would first describe Greg as “ornery”, he loved and was dedicated to them like family.

Upon the completion of a successful career, he was able to enjoy retirement. Unlike most, retirement was when he gave up golf, and focused on spending time with and international travel with B.J. They visited 18 countries in 10+ years following retirement, and he loved learning about the various cultures. They moved to Chicago in 2015 in part to be closer to family, but also to have a new adventure, having lived their entire lives in small towns. In the last years, Greg became a loving caregiver to B.J., as she battles Primary Lateral Sclerosis; a herculean effort.

Greg is survived by his wife B.J., his sons Steve and Tim, his daughter in-law Megan, his grandchildren Kyra Scarlett Irwin & Redfield Irwin, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who all loved him and will miss him dearly.

Services for Greg will be held at the Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago, IL (126 E. Chestnut St.) on October 4, 2024 at 2pm CST. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Les Turner ALS Foundation (https://lesturnerals.org/) in Greg’s name, the Chicago Lights (https://chicagolights.org/) or the in care of the Fourth Presbyterian Church (https://www.fourthchurch.org/).