I met Irv in/about 1965, went to school with him and great friends ever after... We only ran into each other by chance over the years but still took the time to reminisce our younger years. On one occasion I asked; 'Given our being on the other side of the Law for most of our youth, how in the world did you end up with the Highway Patrol..?' All Irv said was; 'Well, I figured that if I couldn't beat them I might as well goin them...' Then he laughed, that most unforgettable laugh that only he could do and walk out the door... GOD bless you Irv! 

My heart goes out for your entire family! What a loss for you and all the world. We never have known such a selfless, giving, caring, humble person. Irv made it possible for us to be able to travel with JAG by making numerous accommodations  for Dan's medical needs.  He made us feel special by not making those around us aware of the extra's(electric cart, storing Dan's food, reserving the back seats for the oxygen,etc). Irv made the world a better place by having lived.  I'm certain he is laughing that wicked laugh and watching Crocodile Dundee now!  Thank You, Irv!

I am so sorry to hear of this loss. Irv and my father Adrian Farrington worked on the MN State Patrol together for years in the Commercial Vehicle Dept.

I remember Irv coming to our home in the country when I was young and he was always so nice and funny!

At my father's funeral I was delighted to see Irv on the parking lot, recognized him right away and immediately felt the memories of younger days!

Irv was a great friend and coworker to my father.

I know that they are probably both sitting chatting in heaven over doughnuts and coffee as we speak.

May GOD comfort and bless you during this difficult time!

Andria (Farrington) Hall

Irv was such a great person. Went on two bus trips with Jag. Enjoyed his humor.

Dear April and family

What a beautiful celebration of Irv's life yesterday. A fitting tribute to a wonderful man and the fact that we were blessed with such a beautiful fall day was icing on the cake! The thanksgiving meal reception and reminiscing with former colleagues hit it out of the ball park! Our lives first crossed after we moved into the  Mayo/Macken  neighborhood in the mid '60's and then again in '73 when you April, and I started working together on 1F at St Mary's within a month of each other. You celebrated with us on 9/25/76 when we got married, a day that was again made memorable as Irv joined the angels in heaven 39 yrs later! I was privileged to have enjoyed two trips with Jag Tours with Irv at the helm. One with my dear friend Jeanne W to Mackinac a few years ago and Branson with my cousin Jeannette E a year ago June. Both were saddened by the news of his loss and we all hold fond memories of his humor and antics all while providing top notch professional travel service. We are happy to hear that this legacy will continue with his primary legacy, his family which he adored. I appreciated Pastor Don's comforting words that this is not goodbye but just see ya later and looking forward to that time. Until then...May fond memories help sustain you all!  "Death  leaves a heartache no one can heal...but love leaves a memory no one can steal".

Your Memories will always be cherished, your great friendship, humor, pranks, caring support after losing Tom, you were two of a kind!! Those daily phone calls or text checking on me and my boys. All the fun trips and memories that were made with the customers that went just because of you making them so fun.  Your friendship meant a awful lot to me and my family and I can not express it enough. Rest in peace my friend, I am sure Tommy was there to greet you along with many others that left us way too soon!  Until we meet again, Love You,

 Carol, Chad and Tim Grant

 You are all in my thoughts and prayers. To live in the hearts of those we leave behind is to never die. 

I first met Irv on a trip to Chicago with my youngest daughter and my girlfriend.  He took the time to share  his experiences in Chicago that helped us during sightseeing.  Irv took my husband and I on the Calgary Stampede trip for our 30th anniversary.  It was a special trip for us and Irv  was always a source of information, fun facts and an all around great guy to be around.  I am saddened that there will be no more trips with Irv at the wheel. 

The Gage Families,

Although not in attendance at today's service for Irv, know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.  Having worked with Irv throughout his career, from the time he was hired as an hourly laborer when Motor Vehicle Inspections began to his departure from the State Patrol to start his own businesses, he was always enthusiastic and knowledgeable about his work and got along well with the people he worked with.  He was concientious in getting his paperwork to the office, and that made my job a lot easier.  He will be missed by all who knew him.  ....Retired Office Worker and Friend

It was a pleasure to know Irv and travel with him on many trips.   Every trip with Irv was memorable - always a smile on his face and that crazy laugh of his, made the trips ones we will never forget.   May he rest in peace.   

We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Irv.  My husband worked with him when he was in the DOT and I knew him from the JAG Tours.  He was a wonderful man!!!  We will certainly miss him. He went above and beyond as host on his tours. He was such a gracious host and the tours will certainly miss him.  I enjoyed talking with Irv and will never forget his contagious laugh. He was always happy, it seemed.  He was a very special person and friend.  It's hard for me to believe he is gone.  I learned a lot from Irv and always had an enjoyable time in his company.  We were both blessed to have known him.  Irv left a mark on our hearts that will never be forgotten. May he rest in peace.  He will most certainly be missed!!!!

Lora & Greg Reid

Irv was a good man with a great sense of humor, and will be missed by all who knew him. I never knew a man could move on roller skates like Irv.  I think he had rubber knees.  RIP Irv

   The Family of Irv Gage. We extend our deepest sympathy for the loss of Irv. He was a terrific man and wonderful friend always enjoyed his morning visits when he would bring his Grandson (Colton) here. We will miss him tremendously. April if you are out and about stop in. That goes for you also Steve. 

Very few people have gotten away with calling me "Jillypoo" in my life. I can still hear it coming over the loud speaker of Irv's car. He came home from work the same time I would be the crossing guard for our corner. I would get so mad but then it always followed with that contagious laugh of his.  I just couldn't stop giggling! I have SO many silly memories of being your neighbor!! My deepest sympathy to your family 

Rachel - Sorry to learn of the loss of your brother Irv.  Enjoyed some bus tour/trips with him and he was always smiley and a fun host.  The tours will miss him.  Blessings to all of your siblings -  Bonnie  

April and family - I'm so terribly sorry to hear about Irv - I remember him well from when he would come into the Country Kitchen and flirt with you April.   Keeping you and your family in my prayers. 

Our sympathy to Irv's family.  We went on several bus tours with JAG and always had such a good time.  Irv was always kidding everybody and his laugh made everyone happy.  We will miss him!

I manage a hotel in Chicago and had the pleasure to work with Irv for many years. To Irv's family, friends and employees, thinking of you all with heartfelt sympathy. In this time of sadness, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I feel lucky to have known him. The Quality Inn Schaumburg will truly miss Irv's kindness, sense of humor and overall great demeanor. Rest In Peace Irv

Rest in peace!! I had the pleasure of working with Irv, many years ago at Skate Country. He was a very nice person with a wonderful sense of humor always happy and made me smile. We will miss you

My name is Julie Amy, I am a good fried of Joyce Fenske. I just want to express my sincere sympathy for your families loss of your loved one.  May God hold you all tight in his arms and bless you all as you go through your sadness at this time.   

ill miss you lrin yu and your brother were like family to me while I was in high school I miss mom and dad also they took me as there son and I sure had a lot of fun with u all so god bless you and fro the rest of the family around I miss u all also 4

My brother and I so enjoyed our Jag tour with Irv.  He was so organized, so knowledgeable, and made the trip so much fun.  You could tell that he had a great love of life and enjoyed every day.  My sincere condolences to his family and friends.   Linda Kelroy Johnson

So sorry to hear about Irv.  My sisters, our Mother and myself went on many trips with Irv.  We always had such a good time with Irv and he was wonderful with our Mother.  When our Mom was battling cancer and she had her 85th birthday, Irv showed up at her birthday party and when she passed away, Irv came to the wake.  Irv will be greatly missed by many who traveled with him. He was wonderful!!

I'm so sorry for the loss if such a neat man.  My prayers are with you.  Amy Martin Digity Radio 

April, Heidi, Steve...There are just no words to say about how sorry I am for your loss. Irv was funny, kind, and generous to so many people.  I will always be grateful for the support both you, April, and Irv gave me when I was young and trying to plant some roots. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Irv was one in a million  He will be sadly missed by many.  enjoyed many of his trips and felt safe and like one of the family when Irv was with. we are very saddened to hear the news  It will be a sad  trip we are taking on Tuesday knowing Irv will never be with us again blessings and prayers to the family  love you guys  linda

Very sorry for your loss. I lost two family members this year so my thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. 

our sincere sympathy to Irv's family.  we will never forget our trip to Washington, D.C.  A wonderful man, great host and a perfect gentleman.  the world was lucky to have him and his great sense of humor.  May you know how he touched a lot of people with his good will.  God bless you all.  

I worked with Irv from when he began with the state until I retired.  He was always very knowledgeable about the job and very good at dealing with people.  He made a job that sometimes could be stressful or boring much more enjoyable.  His untimely passing is a loss to us all.  April, know that Carol and I hope the best for you and your family in the years to come.  

Only a time or two in a person's lifetime do they meet that special friend that makes them feel truly loved and a part of a great big family. In my family's lifetime, that would be Irvin Gage. We met Irv in 1988 just after having gotten married and moved to Rochester from Oklahoma. Mike was looking for a softball team to join and called Park & Rec, who gave him Irv's name and number. What a fortunate day that turned out to be.  Irv has been a tried ad true friend through thick and thin. He has been kind, loving, and generous every step of the way. He was so very giving. He insisted we take his van a few times on vacation because he did not want us going in our then untrustworthy old jalopy. He gave our daughter ,Brandy, the trip of a lifetime to New York City as a high school graduation gift. Lucky Mom got to go along. Wow, I just cannot express what a wonderful time we all had and the grand memories we will carry all our lives. Just last year, Mike's mother passed away with cancer. We looked up and there was Irv and our other dear friend, Kris Hust. They had traveled all the way from Rochester to Aberdeen South Dakota to support us in or time of loss, 400 miles one way! Who does that!? This are just a few of the things Irv did for us. We feel very fortunate to be a part of his great big extended family. We will miss you forever Irv and love you with all our hearts. You will surely reap great rewards in the hereafter for being that man you are to all of us. Rest in peace dear friend.     

Loved being on the Jag tours with Irv in charge.  So gracious, kind and supportive of your journey.  He will most certainly be missed.  An honor to meet him

The first tour we took was with Irv and he was always gracious and. Anytime after that he always remembered us. Our sympathy to  entire family

Erik and Lisa Virchow

Always enjoyed going on his tours and he always remembered you. Will miss his friendly smile.

Woody & Rosemary Shoden

Good neighbors for many years and wonderful memories of a special man.  Our deepest sympathy for your loss.  He will be missed by all who knew him.

Our sincerest and heartfelt condolences to your whole family. Irv was such an amazing man.  He will be missed.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to April, Steve, Heidi and family. When I began working with the State Patrol, Irv was my partner inspecting school buses and trucks. Irv was truly an icon in the school bus program! He was known for his sense of humor, quick wit and unforgettable laugh! Most importantly he was known for his vast knowledge of buses and trucks. His commitment to ensuring that CMVs were operated safely was truly a gift to those of us that shared the road with others... There is no doubt that lives were saved due to Irv's commitment to safety! 

Irv was a heartfelt co-worker and true friend. He loved his family deeply, often times showing family photos of those he loved! As a business man, Irv was a natural, happily communicating with customers and friends, ensuring that their trip was fun and safe! 

We will always hold a special place in our hearts for our dear friend, Irv? 

Love, Rich, Becky, Allison & Ashley Ellinghuysen

I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of Irv.  I always enjoyed his smile and laugh. He will be missed. 

When I joined the Mn State Patrol in 1984 and was assigned to the Rochester District / 2100, Irv was one of the first to introduce himself and congratulate me.  We ended up moving into SE Rochester just a few blocks away from Irv and our friendship grew.  We had a great working relationship - he taught me enough about trucks for me to stay away from them or call if I needed his help and I worked nights and arrested drunk drivers.  We shared many meals together and our favorite spot was Hardy's BBQ.  We played a lot of softball together, including league every year and many LE tournaments.  I have fond memories of sharing a beer afterwards and visiting about life on the State Patrol and life and family in general.  Fortunately for me Irv was a "handyman", because I certainly was not.  He came and helped me build a 2 car garage at our house and taught me which was the working end of the hammer and which was the dumb end.  I was stationed in Rochester for 10 years and Irv was my best and most trusted friend.  I took a promotion and moved to the cities and while we didn't see each other as often after that our friendship remained deep and lasting.  I am still very proud to call him a true friend and I will miss him dearly.  I'm glad he was able to see and realize what a great pair of children he raised and to see them become successful in their lives and careers.  Irv loved his latest role as grandpa and I know he will be looking down and watching now.  I'm planning on stopping at Hardy's BBQ often and reflect on my good friend.   

April and family

I'm so blessed to have counted Irv as a friend.

From the moment I met him I felt embraced as family and it is as such that I will miss his laughter and company.

Few people have the capacity to engage others as Irv.  When he spoke with you he had a way of truly connecting that made him so endearing.

It may seem funny to others that I saw him in such a way as many of my memories of Irv come from the ball field where his distinctive voice would rise above the din to berate or cajole the players and in the next instant he would turn and talk to me with a twinkle in his eye and win

We all watched him fight the cancer and while I'm sure you saw him on more challenging days than I did, I know he faced it with courage and strong spirit fighting for those extra days to enjoy his family and friends.

Be at peace.  For although he has passed he made a positive impact on us all and we will keep him within us always.