Colleen Fay Irwin

In Loving Memory of Colleen Fay Irwin

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To honor her beautiful spirit, remember to laugh often, play a harmless prank, hug your loved ones tightly, and always choose the adventure.

Our beloved mother, Colleen Fay Irwin, passed away on September 1, 2026, surrounded by her family at the age of 63. She lived a life defined by determination, love, laughter, and an endless capacity to care for others.

Colleen was born to Richard and Colleen Kane in Stanley, Wisconsin, on August 28, 1963. She grew up in Sheldon, Wisconsin. On July 7, 1980, she married her soulmate and the love of her life, Rick Irwin. Together, they welcomed their daughter, Deborah (Mandy), in 1981, and their son, Ricky Jr., in 1986. They raised our beautiful family in Jump River, Wisconsin.

Mom was a practical joker who believed life should be an adventure. She retired early to care for our father, and together they enjoyed camping, fishing, and gardening. She especially loved spending time with her sisters, Kathy and Sandy, and her Aunt Arlys. The three of them regularly visited Arlys to go shopping and enjoy each other's company, sharing endless laughter and unforgettable adventures. Mom also lovingly cared for Sandy until her final days. Caring for others was simply who she was.

She was a beloved auntie to all her nieces and nephews, affectionately known as “Auntie Poopy.” She brought endless love and joy into their lives, leaving behind cherished memories that will remain in their hearts forever.

But nothing compared to the joy she found in being a grandmother. Colin, Chloe, Grace, and Luke were the highlights of her life. She camped with them, rode roller coasters, zip lines, danced, sang, and joined them in countless pranks. She was their biggest cheerleader and the perfect Nammy.

To her children, she was the one who could always dust us off, make us laugh, and remind us everything would be okay. Mom leaves behind a lifetime of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. We will miss her more than words can say, but we will carry her love with us always.

She is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, Rick Irwin; her children, Deborah (Mark) Engfer and Ricky (Courtney) Irwin Jr.; her beloved grandbabies, Colin, Chloe, Grace, and Luke; her siblings, James (Ruth) Kane Sr., Kathleen (Gary) Mueller, and Marshal Kane; her sisters-in-law, Deborah (Dennis) Gribauskas and Roxanne Kane; Maureen Robinson; and her brother-in-law, Earl Irwin.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard Kane Sr. and Colleen (Mulinix) Kane; her brother, Richard Kane Jr.; infant brother, Tommy Kane; her sister, Sandy (Kane) Irwin; her sister-in-law, Chris Kane; her father-in-law, Robert Irwin; and her brothers-in-law, Bobby Irwin and Brian Irwin.

Join us on Friday, September 11th, for a celebration of life that will be held at the Sheldon Church of Christ, W5570 Pierce Street, Sheldon, Wisconsin with visitation from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM and service beginning at 1:00 PM with Jeremy Allard officiating (with a luncheon to follow directly after).

To honor her beautiful spirit, remember to laugh often, play a harmless prank, hug your loved ones tightly, and always choose the adventure.

A complete obituary will also be published in the Ladysmith News.