Mr. Louise "Red" Irving

Louis “Red” Irving of Northwood, Ohio, born June 27th, 1939, peacefully left this earth to begin his heavenly journey with God on March 28, 2023.

Raised doing farming with parents Edward and Nomeda Irving in Oregon, Red also learned the greenhouse business while working at the former Mel’s Greenhouse. During his teenage years he embarked on an incredible masonry journey that spanned over 66 years beginning with his Uncle Lawrence Fleitz as a laborer. In 1957, he graduated from Clay High School and joined the Local 500 Laborer’s Union.  Later, he entered and completed the apprenticeship program for bricklayers and became a member of the Local 3 Bricklayers Union in January, 1963 thus following in a long family line of brick masons.

In the late 1960’s Red and brother Dick began their own company known as Irving Bros Masonry. Their specialty was commercial buildings but by the late 70’s, each had honed in on their very own and unique masonry talents. Red’s Masonry Company began and continued to thrive in the commercial sector which has allowed his beautiful craftsmanship to still be seen today on such buildings including all of the Piccadilly apartments, the former Richard’s Chevrolet in Michigan, the former Western & Southern building in Northwood, Rowe Chiropractic in Oregon, Hirzel’s Canning Company in Northwood and numerous others. He was always quick to share his skills or lend his hand to numerous local churches. He loved helping with small town projects like the water fountain in Genoa or repairs for the Northwood Municipal Complex. He especially loved working at the former Lakewood Greenhouse doing their masonry repairs. Warehouses, factories, schools, restaurants are other areas where he has left his mark. His proudest accomplishment was as a sub-contractor building the columns surrounding the current downtown Toledo Mud Hens Stadium. Residentially though, he has done 100’s of new home foundations, crawl spaces, fireplaces, porches and chimney’s throughout Northwest Ohio and southern Michigan not to mention all of the masonry repair work he has completed over the years.  Brick, block, stone or concrete work, he has done it all. His vast knowledge and talent is astounding. Just a young boy with a dream turned into an amazing masonry journey. His retirement came in 2018 and he deeply missed going to work. He never gave up sharing his knowledge and would always say; “there was never a job to big or small, never to easy or hard, just put in a good days work because that is what life is about.” Remember, it only takes 2 brick to start and finish a brick wall, the rest are just fill-ins. Who hasn’t heard this over the years!

Red married the love of his life, Rita Gladieux on May 6th, 1961 after dating for 5 years. Together for 60 years, they traveled around the USA and into Canada. They had fun square dancing, playing cards and bowling. They supported each other in their political endeavors. In sickness and in health, they were always together. They shared their love with daughters Lisa and Stephanie. They were graced with grandchildren and blessed with a great grandson. Their bond was unbreakable.  Their love was true.

For many years, Red donated his time to the City of Northwood serving as secretary/treasurer of the Parks and Recreation Committee. He served on the Winter/Summer Recreation programs. He helped with the planning and implementation of Northwood’s Central Park.  

Once retired, Red continued with his “business meetings” with forever friends Mike Diekman and Mike and John George. While frequenting many restaurants they shared numerous stories, jokes and laughter while making new friends along the way. He would walk to Don’s donuts to visit his friends and get a ride with his buddy Al Williams. He walked to Speedway for another coffee and friendship time with Cindy. He loved his get-together’s with childhood friends Ron Bosch, LeRoy Hartsing, Cleo Mominee and Leo Brenot. He loved going to the Skillet Restaurant seeing Mike & Heather and visiting his other Skillet friends. He especially loved his time spent with Julie and David Dean going to the park or Applebee’s.  His other retirement hobbies included the ice cream trips with Lisa, going to church, walking and talking along the way making another new friend and of course feeding his geese, squirrels and cats. Talking with his special neighbors Kim Chernota, Amy Bryant and Linda Adkins was a highlight and he truly loved each of them. His jokes, sharing of stories or purposely walking into a wall will forever be missed but never forgotten. 

Red was a true Notre Dame Irish football fan thanks in part to his in-laws Art & Alice Gladieux, having attended countless games that spanned the course of 50+ years and by some he became affectionately called the Little Leprechaun. Being of Irish heritage was a bonus.

Along his incredible life journey, Red developed a special bond and cherished the closeness he had with his “sis” Jackie and the ultimate rekindling of his family ties. During the past few years, Red mourned the loss of many dear friends and family and would always tell a story to “keep their memory alive.” Now that he has left this world, the task of sharing his memories falls on us all to keep his memories and stories alive.

His cherished memories to share are left with daughters Lisa (Steven) Thomas, Stephanie Danyi, Grandson Jonathan Olinger, Granddaughters Ariel, Alyssa and Anya Danyi, Shelbey Thomas and Great Grandson Jaxon Olinger.

Stories to share are left with Sister MaryAnn (Herm) Baerkircher, Sister-In-Laws: Jackie (Cal) Lentz, Shirley Irving and Marge Prater. Nieces: Lyn Krasula, Diane (Tim) Cordell, Barb (Gary) Lovell. Nephews: Calvin (Michelle) and Stephen (Donna) Lentz, Rick (Melinda), Mike (Wanda) and David Irving along with a host of great nieces, nephews and many cousins. Additionally, fond memories are left with special friends Marie Kirkendall, Pam, Angie, Joe, Alexa, Liz, Tori, Tammy and Wendi.

Red was preceded in death by his parents, wife Rita, brothers Dick and Tom, niece Patty Irving and brother in-law Ron Hillabrand.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 31, 2023, from 2:00 pm until 8:00 p.m at GracePointe Church, 4035 Williston Road, Northwood, Ohio, where Red was a member.  Pastor Harald Bjerga will officiate Red’s Celebration of Life at 6pm on Friday Please come casual and ready to share stories, laugh and recount the memories you have. Funeral services will be held in the church on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 11:00 am where the family will gather beginning at 10:00 am.  Interment will follow in Lake Township Cemetery, with lunch to follow afterwards at the church.

 

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