David Lee Ireland, 74, of Montrose, IA, died Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at his home following a long battle with cancer.
He was born on May 4, 1950 in Fort Madison, IA, the son of Jimmy Walter and Beulah Irene (Foresman) Ireland. He graduated from Fort Madison High School with the Class of 1968.
On August 15, 1970, David was united in marriage to Rebecca Sue Lunday in Fort Madison. She survives.
He is also survived by two sons, Matthew Ireland and his wife Julie of Adel, IA and Shawn Ireland and his wife Melissa of Cedar Rapids, IA, five grandchildren, Mitchell (Olivia) Ireland, Mackenzie Ireland, Austin Ireland, Isabelle Ireland and Kennedy Ireland. Other survivors include two sisters, Sherry Ireland of Cedar Rapids and Debbie Kempker of Hudson, FL.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Charles “Chuck” R. Ireland and Patrick J. Ireland and one sister, Barbara Ireland.
David had been employed at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office for 31 years, retiring in 2004. He served as Lee County Sheriff for 16 years.
He was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ in Fort Madison. He was also a member of ILLIAMO, the Model T Ford Club of America, the Eagles Club and the Elks Lodge. He was a lifetime member of the Iowa State Sheriff’s and Deputies’ Association. David had served on the Tri-State Rodeo Operating Committee.
Over the years, David was very active in Boy Scouts. He served as Scout Master for Troop #19 in Denmark, IA, was an advisor for Camp Eastman, Silver Tomahawk Lodge and Troop 30 in Montrose. He had also served as the Boy Scouts District Commissioner. David was an Eagle Scout and very proud of his two son’s accomplishments in Boy Scouts, both having received the rank of Eagle Scout. His grandsons continue the scouting tradition, one has already received the Eagle Scout rank and one will soon be completing the Eagle Scout rank.
David enjoyed collecting Ford Model T parts, Model T memorabilia and antique anti-theft devices. He also enjoyed canoeing with his wife on the Mississippi.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk with Chaplin Darran Whiting officiating, Burial will be in the Montrose Cemetery.
Visitation will be held prior to the service on Saturday from 9 – 11 a.m. with the family meeting with friends at that time.
Memorials may be made to the Camp Eastman Development Association.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com
