Irving R. Guernsey, “Honest Irv,” 85, passed away on Tuesday, May 13, 2008, at the Wisconsin Veteran’s Home in King, Wis.

He was born on October 26, 1922 in Oswego, the son of the late Richard and Flavia (Allen) Guernsey.  

Irv moved to Wisconsin in 1964 and worked at American Can as a Graphic Artist until his retirement in 1984. 

He was an extremely proud Marine in World War II. He served with the Shorefire Patrol and played the drums as a member of the Marine Corps band. Irv also went by another name: “Sugar Fox Charlie 242.” 

Irv was married to Beatrice Demm in 1942. They were married for 41 years until her death in 1983.  He was then married to Joan Jensen from 1984 until her death in 1986.  He was then married to Margaret Jansen in 1989 until their divorce in February 2000.

Irv was quite a jokester. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, along with backyard barbecues. He loved to dance and was in a square dance club. In his later years, Irv enjoyed golfing.

He was a lifetime member of the American Legion as well as a lifetime member of the Fourth Marine Division Association.

Irv helped open the Veteran’s Museum in Oshkosh; he donated all of his Marine Corps uniforms and memorabilia.

He was preceded in death by two sons, Richard (Ida) and Jimmy, and two brothers and three sisters. 

He is survived by his son, Irving “Skip” (Jan) Guernsey; a daughter, Janet (Mike) Arndt; and two sisters, Norma (Chuck) Taylor and Viola (Dick) Boardway; grandchildren Debbie (Darrin) Harris, Jason (Jamie Gant) Arndt, Kristin (Mike) Williams, Richie (Corey) Guernsey and Josh Guernsey; and great-grandchildren Derrick and Devin Harris and Hailey Guernsey. 

The funeral service will be held on 2 p.m., Friday at Neenah’s Westgor Funeral Home, with the Rev. Catherine A.K. Mode officiating. 

Interment will be in Oak Hill Cemetery. 

Calling hours will be held at the funeral home on Friday from  noon until the hour of the service.

Military rites will be performed by the American Legion Post#60 of Kimberly.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established.

The family would like to thank the Wisconsin Veterans Home and Theda Care Hospice for their comforting care of Dad.