Gary Irish

GARY RAY IRISH Gary R. Irish, 78, formerly of Sioux City, Iowa and South Sioux City, Nebraska passed away on February 3, 2010 at his home in Sun City, Arizona after a lengthy illness. Abiding by his wishes, cremation has taken place. Graveside services will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix, Arizona at 10:00 a.m. on February 12, 2010. Arrangements are under the direction of Menke Funeral & Cremation Center of Sun City, Arizona. Immediately after the graveside service, visitation with the family will be at the Irish residence in Sun City. Irish was born on September 25, 1931 in Sioux City, Iowa to William and Lenora Irish. After attending Central High School, Irish married the former Mary Watterson of Sioux City, Iowa in July of 1950. In 1951, Irish joined the United States Air Force. During his enlistment, Irish was stationed primarily at the Mountain Home Air Force Base near Boise, Idaho where he served as a sergeant in the Air Police. Upon his discharge from active duty in the United States Air Force in 1955, Irish returned to Sioux City where he enrolled in, and graduated from, the management and accounting program at National Business Training College. Irish began his professional career in 1957 as the officer manager and comptroller for the Beermann Bros. Dehydrating Plant in Dakota City, Nebraska. Irish remained in the employ of Beermann Bros. until 1963 when he opened Irish Accounting and Tax Service in South Sioux City, Nebraska. In addition to operating his accounting and tax service, Irish was appointed as County Judge in and for Dakota County, Nebraska in 1967. While residing in South Sioux City, Irish served as president for both the South Sioux City Chamber of Commerce and the Sookota Toastmaster’s Club. Irish also helped organize the South Sioux City Police Reserve and served as that organization’s initial chief. Irish remained on the bench as Dakota County Judge until June of 1972, at which time he resigned and moved to Fresno, California. While in Fresno, Irish worked in the cotton business as an executive and accountant for various agricultural concerns. In 1983, Irish moved to Arizona where he worked as an accountant and tax preparer until his death. Irish is survived by his wife of fifty nine years, Mary Irish, and their beloved Pomeranian dog, Joey. Irish is also survived by his son and daughter-in law Craig T. Irish and Abigail Irish of Phoenix, Arizona, together with their two children, Michael, 24, and Melissa, 22; and his daughter and son-in-law Jori Sova and Larry Sova of Phoenix, Arizona, together with their two children, Amanda, 19, and Justin, 13. Irish was preceded in death by his parents and two older brothers, Warren Irish and William Irish, Jr., both of Sioux City, Iowa.