Doris Irwin

Doris W. Irwin, 100-year-old Gold Star Mother and American Legion Auxiliary member passed away peacefully on July 23 at the WI Veterans Home in Chippewa Falls.

Born on December 23, 1922, to Fred and Letitia Albrecht, Doris grew up on a farm, graduated from Augusta High School and married Morris Irwin.  Together they had nine children, farming south of Cadott.

At age 58, Doris became an EMT, serving the communities of Webb Lake, Arcadia and Augusta as a member of the ambulance crew.  Later, she became a nurse aide, working in the Augusta area.

Volunteering was a large part of Doris’ life:  at church, summers for Elderhostel (Grand Lake, Colorado and 3 years Sitka, Alaska), Beaver Creek Reserve Butterfly House and a number of years at the Augusta library.

Doris enjoyed spending time with family and loved the outdoors.  Whether it be gardening, hiking, hunting or fishing, that’s where you would find her.

She, also, found great pleasure in reading, writing poetry (some published in 2004 and 2005), painting and dancing (“Showtime Line Dancing”, performing and teaching).

Above all, Doris loved traveling.  She visited nearly every state in America, including Alaska and Hawaii.  In addition to Central America, Doris traveled abroad to Austria, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand and Switzerland.  Her “trip of a lifetime” included climbing the Great Wall of China.

Preceding death were brother Arnold Albrecht, son Lt JG Jerry Irwin, parents, daughter June Meznarich, former husband Morris Irwin, sister Elaine Lowman, son-in-law Donald Weggen and special friend Vince Miller.

Surviving three sons Robert (Bette) Irwin, Cadott; Morris (Barbara) Irwin Jr., Fisher, IN; and Thomas (Marcia) Irwin, Hudson; four daughters Diane Weggen, Stanley; Patricia (Jim) Gehrking, Cape Coral, FL; Peggy (Todd Post) Irwin, Chippewa Falls; Vickie (Jeff) Iverson, Lady Lake, FL; sixteen grandchildren, twenty-nine great grandchildren and one great, great granddaughter.

Funeral service on Friday, August 4, 10:30am at St. Rose of Lima Church in Cadott.  Visitation 1 hour prior to service with luncheon following.

Special thanks to everyone at the Chippewa Veterans Home for their exceptional care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the CVH Recreation Committee for the courtyard fund.