Ira G. “Gene/Peanuts” Chase, 80, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at Harmony in Dubuque.

Ira Gene Chase was born on January 23, 1945 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Ira Edward and Carolyn V. (Clark) Chase.  He grew up in Jackson County and attended Baldwin schools.  He served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps earning an honorable discharge.  He married Janet Denise Wallroff on January 5, 1984 in Maquoketa, Iowa.

Gene was a carpenter and first worked for Wick Buildings.  He then owned and operated his own construction company, Chase Construction.  He built pole buildings all around the area and taught and employed many family members throughout the years.  He taught them to always do things the right way the first time.

Beyond his work, he was an outdoorsman.  He enjoyed hunting, and fishing on the Wapsi River.  He was mechanical and was always tinkering on cars.  He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

Those left to honor his memory include daughters Marcy (Henry) Hinz of DeWitt, IA, Ashley (Richard) DeLarm of Oxford Junction, IA, and Tammy (Chris) Helgens of Monticello, IA; siblings, Everett “Skip” (Kathryn) Chase of Oxford Junction, IA, and Linda Arnold of Baldwin, IA; 8 grandchildren, 2 bonus grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren, and 2 bonus great-grandchildren; in-laws, Linda Campbell of Maquoketa, IA, Mary Brooks of Maquoketa, IA, Gerry Wallroff of Des Moines, IA, and Dennis Glaser; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Janet Chase on February 6, 2025, brothers Franklin and Craig “Rocky” Chase, and a sister Janice “Penny” Axton.

A gathering of family and friends celebrating his life will begin at noon on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at the Eden Valley Community Room, Baldwin, Iowa.  At Peace Cremation Services have been provided by Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to the Ira Gene Chase family c/o Carson Celebration of Life Center, 318 West Pleasant Street, Maquoketa, Iowa 52060.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.CarsonAndSon.com.