Obituary of Irvin W. Emig

Irvin W. “Irv” Emig, age 70 of Iowa City died Friday, July 31, 2026, at his home from a history of health issues.

A gathering time for family and friends to share, celebrate and support in Irv’s memory will be held from 4 to 6 pm Saturday August 22, 2026, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service. Concluding this time will be a time for memories shared and prayers of support. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Jazz 88.3 KCCK (Kirkwood Community College) or Fort Hays State University, Hays, Kansas in Irv’s memory. To share a thought, memory or condolence with his family please visit Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service website @ www.gayandciha.com.

Irvin Willet Emig was born October 9, 1955, in Abilene, Kansas the son of Merle and Marjorie (Beadleston) Emig. Following graduation from Abilene High School in 1973, he attended Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas where he received his undergraduate degree, and later his masters degree. During college he was a residence hall director, a position that he would continue past his college days. Irvin married Mary Lou Welter on May 21, 1977, in Hays. The couple had lived in Kansas before moving to Wisconsin, then to Cedar Falls, Iowa and landing in Iowa City in 1984. Here Irv has been employed by NCS and Norand of Cedar Rapids.

Irv and Mary Lou enjoyed much in their 49 years of marriage, especially being here in Iowa City. Season ticket holders for both Iowa Hawkeye Football and Women’s Basketball for many many years! Irv enjoyed reading, he was a science fiction buff, Star Trekkie, enjoyed astronomy and photography.

His family includes his wife, Mary Lou Welter; and nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of very dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, June Le Roux and brother, Bruce Emig.