Julius Henry Irmiter, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on February 6, 2025 at the age of 85. He was born on December 25, 1939, in section two of Seneca Township, Iowa, the second son of Henry and Ione (Bollig) Irmiter.
Julius graduated from Armstrong High School in 1959, where he played on the school’s first-ever undefeated football team. He proudly served for six years in the National Guard and remained a dedicated member of the American Legion throughout his life.
On July 8, 1967, he married the love of his life, Barbara Bishop, at the Baptist Church in Swea City, Iowa. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, love, and hard work, raising two sons and two daughters. Their family grew to include nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
A lifelong farmer, Julius took immense pride in tending to his cattle, corn, and soybeans. He was blessed to see his family farm become a Century Farm in 2023, a milestone that meant the world to him. He had a deep appreciation for John Deere tractors, especially his restored John Deere D, and could often be found tinkering in the shop or surveying his fields.
Though he spent the last five years battling cancer, those years were filled with joy—watching his family grow, celebrating the marriages of his grandchildren, and welcoming four great-grandchildren into the world. He was a tough and stubborn man, hardworking and faithful, with a signature smirk that never faded. His marriage to Barbara was a testament to love and devotion.
Julius is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Barbara (Bishop) Irmiter and his children: Mike (Jill) Irmiter of Armstrong, John (Kris) Irmiter of Armstrong, Linda (Skip) Lowe of Grinnell, and Mary (Kevin) Hanson of Ventura. He is also survived by his granddaughter Mara (Nick) Beernink and great-grandson Lucas Beernink of Rochester, MN; granddaughter Madison Irmiter of Minneapolis, MN; grandson Tyler Irmiter of Los Angeles, CA; granddaughter Jalissa (Austin) DeJong and great-grandson Everett DeJong, with Baby DeJong expected soon of Armstrong, IA; grandsons Ryan (Sarah) Lowe of West Des Moines and Jacob Lowe of Grinnell; granddaughter Juel (Brett) Bulson of Garner, IA; granddaughter Jade (Anthony) Cerwinske and great-granddaughter Kylie of Forest City, IA; granddaughter Jenna (Jon) Erdman and great-grandson Kason of Klemme, IA; and Max Eaton of Armstrong, IA- who was loved just like a grandson. Also surviving Julius are his siblings: Richard (Jane) Irmiter of Swea City, IA, Larry Irmiter of France, Patricia (Lee) Williams of Cedar Falls, IA, Margie Stratemeyer of Sierra Vista, AZ, and Kathy Irmiter of Waterloo, IA; his brother-in-law Darrel (Sedell) Bishop of Ankeny, IA; along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by: his parents, Henry and Ione Irmiter; his father- and mother-in-law, Dillard and Marie Bishop; his brothers, James Irmiter and Gerald (Helena) Irmiter; his sister, Joan (Tom) Pfleghaar; his brother-in-law, Bob Stratemeyer; his nephews, Matthew Irmiter (godson) and Joseph Pfleghaar.
Julius leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, faith, and unwavering love for his family. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the land he cultivated and in the hearts of those who loved him.
Rest easy, Grandpa. The years went fast—just like you always said.
Visitation
Sunday, February 9, 2025 at 2:00PM – 4:30PM
Nazareth Lutheran Church
401 5th St.
ARMSTRONG, IA
henryolsonfuneral.com