Darrel Courtney, former Iowa City mayor, dies at 69

Darrel Gene Courtney, a former Iowa City mayor, passed away at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics after a long battle with cancer on Thursday, Nov. 15. 

"He was a fighter to the end," said his wife of 50 years, Cynthia Courtney. 

Born in Oskaloosa, the former Iowa City mayor was an involved community member. After graduating high school from Fremont High, he went on to study business administration at the University of Iowa and graduated in 1972. 

He started his professional career with automotive and insurance sales, according to his obituary. This experience led to a 40-year career as a financial advisor working with companies like Dain Bosworth. At his death, he was serving as First Vice President and Branch Manager of the Wells Fargo Adviseos, according to Cynthia. 

Courtney was a die-hard Hawkeye fan, a Harley Davidson motorcycle enthusiast and a Little League baseball coach for 20 years. Cynthia said he coached their two sons, Brandon and Nathan, and took one of the teams to the Babe Ruth World Series in Washington in 1997. 

"He was a great father, husband, role model and grandfather," said Brandon. 

In 1985 Courtney was elected to his first of two terms on the Iowa City Council. From 1992 to 1993, he served as the Mayor of Iowa City, when he oversaw relief efforts during the massive flood of 1993. 

"His community was very important to him," Cynthia said. "He was always active." 

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 20, at First Christian Church, 900 Lincolnshire Place, Coralville. The burial will be at Oakland Cemetery and visitation will be Monday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at First Christian Church. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, First Christian Church, Coralville Food Pantry or Friends of the Animal Center Foundation.

Reach Hillary Ojeda at 319-339-7345, hojeda@press-citizen.com or follow her on Twitter at @hillarymojeda