Irvin “Irv” J. Meyer, age 74, of Caledonia, Wisconsin, and formerly of Chicago, Illinois, died peacefully, surrounded by his family.
Irv married the love of his life, Kay FitzGerald and together they had 4 children: Christy (Tony Rickabaugh), Amy (Joe D’Arco), Joey † (2021), and Megan (Peter). He was a proud and loving “Papa” to his grandkids — Alex, Jesse, Mia, Gio, and Stella.
For 40 years, Irv was a building engineer at Columbia College Chicago. He helped Columbia grow from a single rented floor to 21 buildings.
While at Columbia, Irv pursued his passion for lifelong learning, by taking one class each semester and expanding his talents in art, animation, jewelry making, and more. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Art from Columbia College in the same year he retired, 2016.
Irv loved running, and did countless marathons and triathlons in his younger years. His coworkers remember his daily lunch break runs, and still joke how he’d come back and eat “20 pounds of fruits and vegetables” while they’d sit and watch in awe.
With Irv’s building skills, he transformed their small Niles, Illinois home into the amazing “Fort Meyer” that became the headquarters for family and friends to gather for over 30 years.
Known affectionately as a “baby hog”, Irv would scoop up, snuggle and magically calm any baby. Friends and family were always eager to hand their babies off to Irv.
Irv was a proud lifelong hippie. He was passionate about human rights and believed that all people — regardless of race, gender, or background — deserve respect and equal protection under the law.
He loved the outdoors and time in nature. Irv shared his passion for camping, fishing, and kayaking with his kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews. He also loved his dogs — and we’re sure Murphy, his German Shepherd, was waiting for him with lots of hugs and kisses on the other side.
Irv will be remembered as a loving husband, father, Papa, and friend whose legacy of love and adventure lives on in all who loved him.
💙 Celebration of Life for Irv Meyer 💙
We will be gathering to celebrate the incredible life of Irv Meyer on
Saturday, November 8th, 2025
2:00–6:00 p.m. at Gibbons Funeral Home
5917 W. Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60634
Irv had a big heart, a great laugh, and a love for life that touched many. To honor his spirit, we’d love for guests to wear tie-dye or Hawaiian shirts — two of his favorites that perfectly capture his joyful energy and love! 🌈🌺
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Greater Chicago Food Depository in his name. Irv loved feeding babies and would want to make sure they’re taken care of in this time:
https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/get-involved/give/tribute-memorial-giving/
We hope you’ll join us in celebrating a life well lived and deeply loved. 💖
Our staff at Columbia was great to be part of. Irv helped make it a joyful experience. Always helpful and friendly.
Dear Meyer Family:
I am very saddened to hear of Irv’s passing. Always enjoyed his fun spirit and laughter. I live in the South Loop and sometimes met up with Irv during his time working at Columbia University. When he wasn’t running along the lakefront on his lunch hour, we sometimes met to eat lunch. My cousin Kay, and all the children, are so lucky to have had Irv as husband and father. We all will miss him greatly. Courage to all of you – Jan McCarthy
Sending you all love ❤️ Just knowing Meggy I knew her dad had to be someone special to love. Sue M
I am very sad that Irv lost his battle with cancer, so young and way too soon. The pictures capture what a good dad and grandpa he was. Best to all. Peggy Fitzgerald.
Dearest Kay and family,
My deepest condolences on the loss of your husband/Dad. I’ll always remember his infectious smile, generous spirit and selfless giving. Irv had an incredible talent for fixing anything and creating masterpieces. I actually saw him moving com ed wires away from his pool! Now that’s talent! 😊 he certainly extended hospitality to all us nurses as the preferred place of gathering was always “Fort Meyer!” Rest easy Irv and God bless.
I did security and when I needed assistance, or even a friendly face to chat with Irv was there. He will be truly missing.
Dear Joe,
We extend our deepest sympathy to your wife and to the family on the passing of her father. The family wrote a beautiful obituary and the tributes speak of a very sincere man whose life expressed the important things of life, centered on goodness and love.
We pray: Eternal rest grant unto Irv, Oh Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.
Jack and Noony Malone