Ivan M. Eye

Ivan M. Eye, 89, of Machesney Park, Illinois, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026, surrounded by his family.

He was born on May 8, 1936, in Marion, Iowa, the son of Marian N. Webber and Marion E. Eye.

Ivan met the love of his life, Martha R. Spencer, at Auburn Bowl. They were married at St. Mary’s Church in Rockford, Illinois, on May 23, 1959. They shared 55 wonderful years of marriage before her passing in 2014. Together they raised four children—Christopher, Mark, Teresa, and Bridget—around whom their lives revolved. Ivan and Martha were avid bowlers and spent many years bowling in a league with their children. Ivan served for several years as league secretary at Forest Hills Lanes, a family tradition that has since been passed down through the generations. In addition to bowling, he was a Boy Scout leader alongside his sons, Christopher and Mark, sharing his love of the outdoors and mentoring the next generation.

Ivan proudly served in the United States Air Force beginning January 7th, 1955, and continued his service until his retirement on May 8, 1996. He served on active duty for four years as a Basic Airman as an aircraft mechanic. During his distinguished military career, he achieved the rank of Chief Master Sergeant and served as a Civil Engineer with the Prime BEEF (Base Engineer Emergency Force) unit, a role he held with great pride and honor. During his military service, he traveled extensively, including assignments in Germany, Turkey, and Greece, and worked on projects at the Panama Canal—experiences he greatly enjoyed and often shared with family and friends.

While serving in the Air Force Reserves, Ivan also worked for Fuller Brush as a door-to-door salesman selling vacuums and worked as a pickle delivery truck driver. He then worked for Mid-States Construction Company installing drywall before beginning a career as a carpenter with Local Union #792 through the Rockford Construction Industry, from which he retired in 2000. Through the carpenter’s union, he taught carpentry apprenticeship classes to other aspiring journeymen. He also taught carpentry skills via YouthBuild, a community-based pre-apprenticeship program for at risk, low income youth. Following his retirement, he continued serving his community as a Harlem School District bus driver for 17 years.

He was a loyal and devoted member of St. Bridget Catholic Church, where he taught CCD classes, participated in weekly Holy Hour, and attended several Bible studies. Ivan was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. His faith guided him throughout his life; he believed deeply in the power of prayer and that God has a plan for everyone. Through his faith, he was committed to helping those in need and supported many charities over the years.

Ivan was extremely proud of his family and cherished every opportunity to spend time with them. He enjoyed family picnics, taking pictures, attending Cubs games, playing cards and dominoes, traveling, and helping others with construction projects. More recently, he especially enjoyed riding his powered bicycle with his son.

Ivan loved watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren bowl and took great pride in supporting their activities. He often enjoyed pointing out the many places he helped build during his years as a carpenter. In his spare time, Ivan enjoyed using his computer, talking to his birds, keeping up with the news, and watching his favorite westerns.

He also enjoyed going to Gill’s Diner for lunch, where he appreciated the company of the staff, regular patrons, and fellow military veterans.

He is survived by his children, Christopher Eye; Mark (Jennifer) Eye; Teresa (Sid) Papini; and Bridget (Mario) Cabral.

Grandchildren include Steven Eye, Matthew Eye, Heidi Eye, Katelyn Eye, Tabitha Eye, Nick Papini, Neil (Danielle) Papini, Jessica (Keith) McGriff, Tiffany (Tom) Bannister, Martinea (Jon) Henning, Justin (Codie) Ols, and Melonie Rydholm.

Great-grandchildren include Hazel Wright, Nick Papini Jr., Noah Papini, Mason Papini, Michael McGriff, Rachel McGriff, James Thompson, Jazmine Henning, Phoenix Henning, Jasper Henning, Octoberjay Ols, Skylee Ols, Reese Ols, Damon Ols, Novillie Cabral, Elena Cabral-Rydholm, Izzabella Rydholm, and Zylas Rydholm.

Surviving siblings include Harold (Carolyn) Eye and Debra (Scott) Schafer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Donald Eye, Dale Eye, Beverly Kurlinkus, Sandra Eye, Thomas Fitzgerald, and Richard Fitzgerald.

Visitation will be held at Fitzgerald Funeral Home on March 12, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, Illinois. The final 15 minutes will conclude with the praying of the Catholic Rosary.

Services will be held on March 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 600 Clifford Ave., Loves Park, Illinois. A brief visitation will be held in the Narthex Room at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass.

Graveside services with Military Honors will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 8800 N. Alpine Rd., Machesney Park, Illinois.

A luncheon will be announced following the Mass.

Share online memories and condolences at www.fitzgeradlfh.com