Irvin G. Rivers

1924 - 2016

Rivers, Irvin G.

Irvin G. Rivers, age 91, of Markesan, formerly of Princeton, passed away on Wednesday, April 6, 2016, at the Markesan Resident Home. He was born on October 13, 1924, in Redgranite, a son of Alfred and Olga (Turnow) Rivers. Irv spent his early years in the Poy Sippi area, where he met his first wife, Donna Neubauer. Irv and Donna farmed in Green Lake County, most recently near Princeton. In 1977, Irv bought "Irv's River Inn" in Princeton and ran it until his health made it impossible to continue. In 1991, he married Sharon Krahn in Green Lake. Together they cut and sold firewood and also were involved with metal recycling.

Irv will be remembered for his hard work, his love of family, listening to polka music, and playing cards. Also, that wicked smile and wink.

Irv is survived by his wife, Sharon Rivers of Princeton; his children, Patsy (Tim) Hill, James Rivers, Candy (Bill) Austin, Terry (Penny) Rivers, Jeff (Karen) Rivers, Lorrie (Randy) Rivers, Jay Hardt, Ronald (Barb) Stibb, Kevin (Karen) Stibb; grandchildren, Ed (Rachel) Lambert, Donna (Andy) Deregnowski, Kaylee and Dillon Rivers, Ben and Ashley Rivers, Joel Ferch, Carrie (Matt) Cummings, Tiffany (Nick) Ludwig, Amanda Stibb, Dustin Stibb, Jay Hardt Jr., Chrissy (Mike) Acheson, Vanessa (Chad) Orlick, Jessica Stibb; great grandchildren, Zachary Moore, Hunter and Gunner Lambert, Aaron King, Evelyn Rivers; daughter-in-law, Rachel Rivers; many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Olga Rivers, his brothers and their wives, Harry (Ardel) Rivers, Fred (Marion) Rivers; son, Keith Rivers; sisters, Francis Hodgins, Mabel Vergin, Gladys Schrei.

A celebration of the life of Irvin G. Rivers will be held from 4:00 - 7:00 pm on Monday, April 11, at the Wachholz and Sons Funeral Home, 303 W. Harvard St., in Princeton. Please visit our website www.wachholzandsons.com to send private condolences to the family.

Irv, you were my sunshine for 36 years and will be in my heart forever. Sharon

Many thanks to the Markesan Resident Home and their staff, you are the best.

Dad, It's time to rest your head, put the tractor in the shed, put the horses in the barn. The sun is setting, the cattle are bedded down. Years were not easy, you have worked so hard. Put away your tools and sleep in peace. Wood has been split, the fences have been mended, chickens and hogs are all taken care of.

You have raised a fine family: worked from sun up to sun down. Hang up your work clothes, your work here is done. No more worry for you now; your home is now in Heaven.

Your love for the land and family will live on. Your family learned the value of hard work from watching you.

We are so glad God gave us a dad like you. The Rivers Children. Written by Lorrie