James Leroy Iverson

James LeRoy Iverson, 88, of Newark, passed away Sunday, June 5, 2022 at his home with his family by his side.
Born November 3, 1933 in Morris, he was the son of Gerhard and Clara (Enervold) Iverson. The family lived and farmed in the Morris and Newark area where James attended Stevens and Schofield Country Schools and Newark High School. James and lifelong friend Lynn Peterson spent many a day riding their ponies together in Big Grove Twp. and making frequent visits to Peterson Gas Station on Rt. 52.
On June 7, 1952 James married Barbara Zimmerman of Morris and they continued farming in the Newark area for 65 years. While farming in the late 60’s and 70’s James also worked for Dale Starks Excavating and then his own Iverson/Mitchell Excavating. He was a member of the Lisbon Grade School, Big Grove Twp., Newark Senior Center and West Lisbon Lutheran Church Boards.
James loved his fishing trips to Canada, riding horses, traveling and mostly farming. In the early years teaching his daughter to drive, mow, bale hay, drive the grain truck, sorting cattle, pull fence and disk stalks. After the passing of Barbara in 2013 James spent his final years with special friend Irene Brown of Newark where they traveled to Texas in winters, Smokey Mountains, Glacier National Park, Dakotas, Canada and many other states and trips visiting friends. After 8 surgeries he slowed down and they spent more time at home enjoying many visits from friends and family, with Irene’s excellent 24/7 care.
James is preceded in death by his wife Barbara of 61 years; parents Gay and Clara Iverson; sister, Lois Iverson Mitchell; in-laws, Edward and Serena Zimmerman Hejna of Coal City and lifelong friend Lynn Peterson.
Survived by daughter Cynthia Lynn Toftoy and son-in-law Robert Toftoy; grandson Trenton Toftoy; special companion Irene Brown and her family, Kelley and Dave Brummel and Kevin and Cindy Brown and their children; a niece and a nephew; special friend Yvonne Peterson and special buddy Aiden Brummel.
He loved life to the fullest and each day was a gift from God.
Memorials may be given to Lightways Hospice, West Lisbon Church or the donor’s choice.
Funeral services will be held Monday, June 13, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at the West Lisbon Church. Interment will follow in West Lisbon Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the church. Fruland Funeral Home, 121 W. Jefferson St. in Morris is in charge o arrangements. For more information, call the funeral home at 815-942-0700 or sign the online guestbook at www.frulandfuneral.com .