Irving Victor Obituary (1924 - 2015)

Irving Victor Age 90, of Minnetonka, passed away on Sunday, October 4. Irving was loved by everyone who knew him, and will be forever remembered and greatly missed. He grew up on the North Side of Minneapolis during the Great Depression. He enlisted in the Army to serve in World War II, and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He returned to attend college under the GI Bill, and to marry his neighbor and love of his life Teresa Sadoff. They raised four children, and recently celebrated their 65th anniversary. Irv, along with his father Charles and brother Oscar, were pioneers in the laundry and dry cleaning machinery industry. Starting with a prototype built in their garage, they founded Vic Manufacturing Company, which would become an international industry leader in cleaning equipment, and later produced pollution control equipment. Vic was honored to be called upon to clean the spacesuit of astronaut Neil Armstrong for the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. A practical engineer without any formal engineering or accounting training, Irv deftly managed both the mechanical and financial areas of the company. He held many patents, several of which were licensed to much larger companies, including Dupont and Dow. Irv had a razor-sharp mind and avidly followed the news, the stock market, and scientific developments (particularly in solar energy) well into his 91st year. He was a great problem solver, regardless of whether it involved science, finance, or personal matters. Irv is survived by his wife, Teresa; children, Randy Victor (Andy Steinfeldt), Nancy Victor, Barry Victor and Jeff (Judy) Victor; grandchildren, Loren and Ross Steinfeldt, Rio, Colton, Eliana, and Jadyn Victor, and many loving relatives and friends. Irv will be most remembered for being the ultimate family person, a true friend, and the consummate overall mensch. The family extends its appreciation to his caregivers and medical team for their care and compassion. A private burial service has been held. Shiva Wednesday and Thursday, 7:00 PM, 11464 Telluride Trail, Minnetonka. Memorials are preferred to Beth El Synagogue Congregational Nurse Fund, or to a children’s charity of the donor’s choice.