Irving Eugene Brainerd Jr., age 81, of Two Rivers, WI passed away peacefully surrounded by family at home on Wednesday, August 12 ^th , 2020 after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

Irving was born on November 16, 1938 in Middletown, Connecticut to his loving parents Irving Eugene Brainerd and Nancy (Snow) Brainerd.  They resided in Hadlyme, Connecticut.  Irving had one sister, Gertrude Brainerd who passed away at the age of 7.

Irving started working at the age of 17 at Frank Davis Resort.  He always had a strong work ethic, worked alongside the owner, and learned the many tasks that came from working at the resort.  Irving also served his community as a volunteer fireman.  He started his career at Monsanto, a blow mold factory, in Deep River Connecticut making plastic bottles.  Irving started at the bottom and worked his way to Process Technician and retired from that company after over 33 years.  He then finished his blow mold plastics career as a plant manager for Air Products in Emmitsburg Pennsylvania.

After retiring, he purchased and moved to Hidden Hill Family Campground in Harrison, Michigan with his wife Cindy (Peckham) Brainerd and daughter Aaren.  They had many happy and fun years running the campground.  They made many friends and met so many interesting and kind people before TRULY retiring in 2005.

In 2016 Irving and his wife Cindy moved to Two Rivers, Wisconsin to be closer to their daughter Aaren and her husband Shane, and soon after met the apple of his eye, his granddaughter Grace Charlotte Kelley when she was born the next year.  They were the best of buddies and were often seen sharing snacks and laughing with each other.  He passed down his kind, gentle, and sharing nature to her and nothing else brought a smile more to his face than when she would come over and give him the biggest hugs.

Irving is preceded in death by his parents, Irving Eugene Brainerd and Nancy (Snow) Brainerd, his sister Gertrude Brainerd, and an infant son from previous marriage Irving Eugene Brainerd III.

Irving is survived by his wife of 39 years, Cindy (Peckham) Brainerd and their daughter, Aaren (Brainerd) Kelley (Shane Kelley), Granddaughter, Grace Kelley, and stepmother, Helen Bonfoey.

He is also survived by daughters from previous marriage Marie Anne, Aprile Dawn, Nancy Pearl, and Marvell Gertrude who have a combined 8 grandchildren.

Irving was one of the kindest most generous men in the world. Friends of the family have said that he made everybody feel like family.  He loved nature and animals. Irving was often seen sitting outside on his porch with a coffee or a bottle of Pepsi.  He would give everybody a wave that drove by.  It was a true testament to what a gentle person he was that animals would often walk over to him to visit, birds, rabbits, dogs, squirrels and chipmunks were often seen walking up to him to listen to him talk and to say hello.

Irving loved playing cards and bowling with friends and family. Irving enjoyed working in the great outdoors, fishing, boating and camping.  He was a member of the Connecticut Freemasons Jeptha Lodge No. 95.  As a member of the Freemasons he supported many charities.

Irving had a special love for his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bill and Jean Peckham. They spent many summers together and loved and supported each other through the years.

A quiet private ceremony was held with his immediate family.  In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to a charity of your choice or pay it forward and do something kind for someone.

Irv was a gentle loving kind man who has left many fond memories with MANY people to cherish.