Steve Ireland

Steven J. Ireland, 53, of Fort Madison, IA, passed away at 1:54 p.m. on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at the Fort Madison Community Hospital. He was born on October 12, 1958 in Fort Madison, IA to Harvey & Erma Grossenkemper Ireland. He graduated from FMHS in 1976. He married Rose Greenwald in 1985, they later divorced. He was an accomplished chef at Mike's Supper Club, the Fort Madison Country Club, Palm's Supper Club, and Sheaffer Golf Course. He owned Steve's Dairy Creme for many years. He became a Fort Madison City Councilman in 1995 and became Mayor in 2005. He has worked for Johnson Truck Lines since 1999. He was a member of the Fort Madison Kiwanis Club, Rotary Club, United Way, Elks Club, Lee County Assessor's Compensation Board, Lee County Emergency Management Board and an Ex-Officio Member of Fort Madison Sister Cities Commission. He was a past member of the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission, Southeast Iowa Regional Economic and Port Authority, Alcohol and Drug Dependency Service, Fort Madison Library Board, Human Rights Commission and the Great River Regional Waste Authority. His children, grandchildren, and his community were the center of his life. He enjoyed his line dancing community & friends. He is survived by: his girlfriend: Sandy Greenwald of Montrose, IA; 1-daughter: Jessica (Sean Anderson) Kempker of Dunkerton, IA; 5-sons: Kenneth (Kat) Kempker of Madison, WI, Anthony (Jill Kinney) Ireland of Fort Madison, IA, Steven Ireland Jr. of Fort Madison, IA, Charles (Channing) Ireland of Fort Madison, IA & Drake Ireland of Fort Madison, IA; 6 Grandchildren: Collin; Tanner, Lillianna, Henry, Parker & Emmett; his mother: Erma (Byron) Whitney of Winchester, TN; 2-sisters: Cathy Wellman of Keokuk, IA & Amy (Gary) Coffey of Wever, IA; 3-brothers: David (Barb) Slee of Texas, Allen Slee of Fort Madison, IA & Craig (Lisa) Ireland of Iowa City, IA & numerous nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by: his father & grandparents: Leafo Baker, Charles & Avis Ireland. Friends may call after 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 23, 2012 with the family to receive friends from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday evening at King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 24, 2012 at the First Baptist Church (301 24th Street, Fort Madison, IA) with Rev. Dean Graber officiating. Burial will be held in Claypoole Cemetery in Wever, IA. A memorial has been established in Steve's memory and contributions may be left at King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory or at the church during the service. Online condolences & a video tribute of Steve's life may be viewed at the King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory website: www.kinglynk.com.