Irvin Leroy Zitterkopf, age 92, of Argyle, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on December 4th, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

Irvin was born on November 23rd,1933 in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, to Henry and Elizabeth (Margheim) Zitterkopf. He grew up in Scottsbluff where he learned the values that defined his entire life; hard work, loyalty, integrity, and especially devotion to family.

It was during this early chapter of his life that he met the love of his life, Beverly Rae Prideaux, with whom they shared nearly seven decades of marriage. Their bond was unwavering, their hearts forever connected. Just days after passing, his devoted wife of 68 years, Beverly joined him in Eternal rest on December 8th, 2025, their lives were intertwined from the moment they met, and even in their final days, they remained side by side – together in life and now together for all eternity.

As a young man, Irvin proudly enlisted in the United States army before beginning his long and distinguished career in agriculture and agribusiness, specifically beet sugar.

Throughout his long career in the sugar industry, Irvin became known for his steady, thoughtful way he approached every responsibility placed in his care. He led quietly, by example, earning trust not through titles or credentials but through character, clarity, and a deep sense of responsibility for the people and communities his work touched.

He served as a leader, CEO and  President of Southern Minnesota Sugar Cooperative in Renville, Minnesota, a grower-owned Cooperative founded in 1972 that marked its 50th anniversary in 2022. Irvin's leadership, vision and deep agriculture knowledge was instrumental in starting and shaping the success of the cooperative and the families it supported. Irvin approached every role in life with his work, his community and especially his family – with humility and a steadfast sense of responsibility.

During his tenure in the sugar industry, from the early years at Great Western Sugar and Northern Sugar Company to Southern Minnesota Sugar Co-op Irvin played a meaningful role in guiding the industry through periods of significant change; his perspective was often sought in conversations that reached far beyond his immediate work, including National and International discussions about energy policy around the world. Documents preserved show company leaders, government officials, and energy executives relying on Irvin's practical insight to understand how decisions made in near and far boardrooms would affect workers, growers, families, and world economies.

What made Irvin remarkable was not just the knowledge he carried, but the way he carried it with humility, calm reasoning, and a genuine concern for others. He understood the livelihood behind every field, every factory line, and every harvest/campaign. Colleagues often described him as a person who brought steadiness to uncertain moments, someone whose judgment would be trusted because it was rooted in lived experience and an unwavering commitment to doing what was right.

Irvin never sought recognition or attention. His form of leadership was quiet, principled, and deeply human. It lives on in the countless people he supported, mentored, and strengthened over the years. And in the example he set of what it means to work with integrity, to lead with humility, and to give your best every single day.

Irvin is survived by his children, Kelly and wife Norma Zitterkopf of Argyle, Texas and Stephanie Rae Zitterkopf of Georgetown Texas. His siblings: Randall and wife Linda Zitterkopf of South Dakota, Jennings and William Zitterkopf of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, his sister Ruth and husband Judd Chapin of Florida, and sister-in-law Sharon Prideaux Crow of Bedford, Texas.

He leaves behind three grandchildren who were the pride and joy of his life Shane Alan Falter, Nicholas Irvin Zitterkopf, and Ashton Lee Zitterkopf, and his bonus granddaughter, Bridgette Perez

Irvin was blessed to know and love his great-grandchildren; Caiden Falter, Lydia and Legend Zitterkopf, Bennett and Noah Zitterkopf – each of whom brought him immense joy. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and many friends.

Irvin is preceded to death by his parents Henry and Elizabeth Zitterkopf along with his siblings Henry Jr, Irene Morris, Diana Zitterkopf, Alice Reichert. and brother Clarence.

Irvin will forever be remembered for his strength, his deep commitment to his family, his generosity and his ability to lead with both wisdom and kindness. His legacy lives on in the generations who follow him and in the countless lives he touched.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Mulkey - Mason funeral home and cremation services of Lewisville, Texas.