Irvine Lewis Barfuss

Irvine Lewis Barfuss (87) passed away in the comfort of his home in North Ogden on April 15, 2024, from the effects of cancer into the loving arms of his Heavenly Father. 

Irvine was born on January 26, 1937, in Logan, Utah. He was the first child of Alma Lewis Barfuss and Norma Gurnell Jacobsen. Born 6 weeks premature, his mother fought to keep him alive. This was only the first time Irv would have a close call with death and come out on top. He has always been a fighter.

Irv grew up in River Heights, Utah in a loving home. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the New England States mission and then attended Utah State Agricultural College, graduating with honors in Electrical Engineering. He was employed at Hill Air Force Base where he worked his entire career. After an early retirement he enjoyed being employed as manager and caretaker of the LDS Peach Orchard in Pleasant View.

Irv became acquainted with his sweetheart, Carol Zollinger, as they grew up in the same ward in River Heights and through his friendship with her brother, Jerry. After a yearlong engagement, they were married on June 9, 1961, in the Logan temple and settled in North Ogden for most of their married lives. They raised their seven children on an almost 2-acre homestead, giving them ample opportunity to teach them to work by raising animals and growing a large garden.

The things that brought Irv joy were hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, gardening, woodworking, and spending time with his family. Even as recent as last summer, you could find him out pruning his fruit trees and planting his garden, from which he loved sharing his harvest. He also enjoyed playing games and kept his mind sharp by playing Sudoku, Words with Friends and many board games with family and was a tough contender, often coming out on top.

Irv’s testimony and love for the Savior was shown by how he dedicated much time and energy serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He honorably served in many Ward and Stake leadership callings. He was also known as a dedicated Home Teacher who never missed a visit. In addition to serving as a missionary as a young adult, he served two missions with his wife, Carol: in the California, San Jose mission and the Philippines, Manila temple mission. They also served together in the Ogden temple for 3 years and attended often.

He is well known for his fun-loving personality. He was a bit of a tease, but also had a kind heart and sincerely cared for all his family. He was a great handy-man and could fix almost anything, and a meticulous manager of finances, always to the penny. He loved surprises and surprising Mom with something on special occasions. He had a considerable sweet tooth with chocolate ice-cream being his most favorite treat. He was known to say that ice cream can fix anything.

During his lifetime he had numerous close calls with death but never gave up his will to live. He fought through all the pain, surgeries, procedures, and cancer treatments all while showing gratitude to those that served him. Still, the most difficult pain for him was from the nerve damage caused by shingles that he contracted in 2011 which caused constant aggravating pain.

Irv is survived by his wife, Carol, and seven children: Steven Barfuss (Kristina), Debra Lamb (Randy), Susan Todd (Michael), Janice Barfuss, Julie Cook (Gary), Annette Cragun (Tyler), Chris Barfuss (Becky); 24 grandchildren; and 32 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Ireta Jensen (Ken) and his brother, Brent Barfuss (Carol). He was preceded in death by his parents.

A viewing will be held at the North Ogden 21st Ward LDS chapel located at 626 East 2600 North in North Ogden, Utah on Sunday, April 21st from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. and on Monday, April 22nd from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to the funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in the Providence City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Aid Fund.

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