David Irwin

Dave Irwin, Our brother, uncle, friend, mentor, coach, and forever head of the kids' table passed away doing something he loved on June 30th, 2022 at the age of 60. He was preceded in death by his mother Lavon Irwin. He is the cherished brother of Teresa Jahnke, Julia (Calvin) Atkinson, Mark (Tracy) Irwin, Glenn (Cindy) Irwin, Rhonda (Paul) Treutelaar and Rodney (Jennifer) Irwin. He is the proud Uncle of Bonnie, Isabel, Cheyenne, Matthew, Joshua, Jennifer, Douglas, Deedra, Danniel, Janet Lynn and Michael. Dave will be truly missed and loved by all who knew him. Dave's life's work was changing the lives of others, and the education he earned put him on a trajectory of profound impact to those around him. Dave held a Master of Science in Guidance and Counseling from UW-Stout, and Master of Arts in Religion and Evangelism from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Dave's early career began in Princeton, Illinois where he mentored justice-involved youth from the Chicago area. Dave served as the Guidance Counselor and Teacher at Santiago Christian School in the Dominican Republic for nine years where he also participated in the ministry of Young Life, a movement changing the lives of young people around the world through adventure and connection with God. Dave was the Director of Guidance at Heritage Christian Schools where he impacted the lives of countless students, teachers, and staff, often continuing to support alumni in their post-high school, college, and post-graduate adventures. Dave provided a safe space and cared deeply for his students and school family. Dave loved coffee and conversation. He had a heart that served the Lord faithfully, providing us with wisdom, compassion, laughter, love, and sarcasm. Humble and kind, Dave's office door was always open for us. Dave loved to read and his Bible traveled with him to most places, locally and globally. He always had the perfect book recommendation and promoted a lifetime of learning through literature. Dave loved adventure. He traveled the world with students, family, and his best friends, hiking mountains in North America and Europe. He spent time serving those in Poland and China, and he dove under waterfalls in the Dominican Republic, swam off the coast of Portugal, surfed sand dunes in Colorado, and boogie boarded in the Caribbean Sea. Dave loved to run and supported others in races and extreme challenges. He ran thousands of miles, many with family and friends. The Ice Age Trail near Holy Hill was a favorite of Dave's, especially when the autumn trail turned gold. Dave loved his family and was loved deeply by his family. He was there for us in times of joy and struggle. He was a staple member of family gatherings, and during games everyone wanted Uncle Dave on their team – it was almost always a guaranteed win. Dave lived his life as an amazing example of Christ. Though he is no longer with us, the way he loved us and taught us to love will continue to impact others for years to come. Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of his life is on Friday, July 8th at Life Church, Germantown Campus W164N11325 Squire Drive Germantown, WI 53022. All are welcome to visit beginning at 11am with a Service at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider supporting a memorial fund for the annual, Heritage Christian School Senior Colorado trip. Details to be shared. The family would like to thank Life Church and Schramka Funeral Home for their compassionate care.