Herbert C. Irgens

Herbert C. Irgens

1940 – 2026

Herbert C. Irgens, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, formerly of Ida Grove, passed away on Feb. 4, 2026, following a brief illness. He was 85 years old.

Herb was born on Oct. 15, 1940, in Brooklyn, New York. Following high school, he attended Luther College in Decorah. Upon graduation, he began a long and rewarding career as an educator and coach. He began teaching and coaching at Turkey Valley High School in Jackson Junction, Iowa. While there, Herb met his lifelong love, Mary Jo Hosting.

Herb and Jo were married and later moved to Ida Grove, where they built their life together and raised their family. They had two children, Todd and Melissa, and built a much larger family of friends and community, touching countless lives in the process.

Throughout his career in Ida Grove, Herb served as a wrestling coach, girls’ track coach, physical education and health teacher, and for much of his tenure, the school’s athletic director. He began the Ida Grove Invitational Wrestling Tournament, which today bears his name and stands as a lasting testament to his dedication and impact. Herb was more than a coach—he was a mentor, role model, and steady influence in the lives of generations of students and athletes. Until the end of his life, he reveled in sharing stories of the teams and athletes he coached, able to recall each of them by name when asked.

Although he was born in New York and spent his final years outside of Iowa, Herb loved Ida Grove deeply. Until his final days, Ida Grove was always “home.” His lifelong friendships, along with the lasting connections he maintained with former athletes, students, and fellow coaches, brought him great happiness. Many evenings were spent listening to his stories from those years in Ida Grove—stories filled with names, meets, tournaments, seasons, and friendships—and they never failed to make him smile.

Following his career in education, Herb turned his longtime summer work into a full-time profession, painting homes and buildings—a craft he had spent many summers perfecting during school breaks. He continued painting until retirement, when he and Jo moved to Mississippi to be closer to their grown children and their families.

Jo passed away in 2020. Herb spent the remaining six years of his life missing her dearly, holding close the memories of the life they built together.

Over the years, Herb built a life centered on family, hard work, and community. Those who knew him appreciated his steady presence, humility, and gentle kindness.

Herb is survived by his two children, Todd (Patti) of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and Melissa of Atlanta, Georgia; six grandchildren, Destiny Irgens, Taj Howie, Ezra Jones, Tori (Skyler) Mummert, Cameron (Alyssa) Maymon, and Allison Maymon; and ten great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Haiden, Bohdi, Cohen, Maddox, Tobin, Othia, Carter, Emmarie, and Coldin. His family will miss him deeply and will forever attempt to better exemplify his kindness and caring for others.  

A service to celebrate Herb’s life will be held at a later date.