MICHAEL KIRWAN
Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, July 16, at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Lake Andes. Burial will be in the Riverview Cemetery in Pickstown, with military honors. Visitation will be at the church on Tuesday from 5:30 to 7 p.m., followed by a Rosary at 7 p.m. Peters Funeral Home in Wagner is in charge of arrangements.
The family of Michael Velder Kirwan, 92, of Fort Randalliscomfortedknowing their beloved father left this earth to be with his Lord and Savior and beloved wife, Willa on July 7.
Mike was born on October 16, 1932, to Melvin and Helen (Velder) Kirwan in Fort Randall, in the family home. He was the second child of five siblings. He attended Fort Randall Country School District #26 through 8th grade. He lived with his grandparents in Fairfax, so he could attend and graduate high school.
Aftergraduatingfromhigh school, he was drafted by the Army on January 10, 1951. He completed basic training in Fort Riley, Kansas. He was stationed in St. Johann, Austria and this was to be his deployment post for the rest of his service. He was assigned the Army’s 10th Mountain Division located in the Swiss Alps and spanned Germany, Austria, and Italy. They were on constant alert because Russia threatened to take over all of Europe.
Upon returning from serving his country, he moved to Climax, CO and began working for the Climax Molybdenum Mine. While there, he met the love of his life, Willa Turner,at a dance. They married on April 29, 1957 at the Annunciation Catholic Church in Leadville, Colorado. Six children were born to this union: Jeannie (Michael) Crowe, Edward (Guldara), Teresa (Jerry) Volesky, Marita (John) Rieckman, Kathleen Kirwan, and Mick (Julie).
His father passed away suddenly in March of 1963. Mike took over the family farm in June 1963. Many sacrifices were made to ensure their children had opportunities to increase independence and make their way into the world. We learned about God and were provided a solid foundation. We learned about love of family and country. We learned the value of hard work, kindness, humility, and perhaps most important, to never, ever give up!
Over the years, dad belonged to several organizations and served on several boards. He was a member of the VFW for over 60 years. He was involved in the St. Mark’s parish council and Knights of Columbus. He was always ready to help those in need.
Mike was preceded in death by his wife, Willa, son Mick, brother Mel, sister-in- law Minnie (Gene), brother-in-law Tom (Susan), and his parents.
He will be sorely missed by his siblings: Gene, Susan, John, and Tim; his surviving children; 11 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren (and2moreontheway); and 11 nieces and nephews.