Joseph C. Ironside

MONTICELLO, IOWA

Joseph C. Ironside, 93, of Rockford, Illinois, formerly of Monticello, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, December 4, 2025.

A visitation will be held at Sacred Heart Church, 210 East 3rd Street, Monticello, Iowa, on Thursday, December 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Funeral mass will begin at 11 a.m. with a eulogy and remembrance at the end of the funeral mass. Burial will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Coggon, Iowa.

Joe was born near Coggon, Iowa to James and Stella Ironside on Jan. 13, 1932. He went to Coggon High School where he excelled in basketball and baseball and graduated in 1950. Joe earned a Certificate at Cedar Rapids Barber College and then enlisted in the United States Navy where he cut officer’s hair and ran the commissary.

He married Donna J. Kremer, his high school sweetheart in June 1954. (67 years). Joe worked for the Postal Service for 36 years, culminating as the Postmaster in Monticello. Upon retirement, he volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, Monticello Chamber of Commerce, and the Board of Camp Courageous. Joe was a devout Catholic, a family man, and a consummate storyteller. He was a life-long sports fan, especially the Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs. Joe was an avid dancer and music lover. Upon retirement, Joe became a “scratch” golfer and was invited to try out for the PGA Senior Tour. Joe and Donna wintered as snowbirds in Texas for 25 years. The couple travelled to all 50 states and 17 different countries with the Friendship Force. Joe was a friendly soul and will be greatly missed.

Joe is survived by 6 children; siblings, Stephen P. Ironside, Mary Jo Ironside-Ross (Joe), Christopher E. Ironside (Ann), Matthew J. Ironside (Megumi), Theresa M. Ironside and Jonathon P. Ironside (Anna); and 11 grandchildren: Daniel Ironside (Abigail), Bridget Ironside (Neil), Emily Ross (Robert), Jessica Ross (Alex), Benjamin Ross (Michael), Acadia Floyd (fiancé Max Riley) and the twins, Emma Floyd and Charles Floyd, Henry Ironside, Purple Ironside, and Ari Ironside.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Donna, parents James and Stella Ironside, siblings; Eloise Stockwell, Catherine O’Rouke, E.J. Ironside, Gerald Ironside and two children; Kathyrn D. Ironside and J. Michael Ironside (Julie Steffen).

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Camp Courageous, Monticello, Iowa.

Kramer-Morris Funeral Home in Monticello is assisting the family. To share a thought, memory or condolence with his family, please visit the funeral home website at www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.