Donald LeRoy Irwin, age 75, passed away on July 19, 2023. A Celebration of Don’s Life will be held at 12:00 PM on Wednesday August 9, 2023, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 4565 Pleasant St SE, Prior Lake, MN 55372. A Time of Gathering will be held prior to services from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM. Following the celebration, guests are invited to join the family at The Pointe Grill & Bar in Prior Lake for continued fellowship. Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery will be held at a later date.
Donald LeRoy was born on June 13, 1948, to Howard and Dorothy Irwin in Austin, MN. The youngest boy of 12 siblings, Don grew up a part of a big family in a small house. The Irwin clan ran the neighborhood. Don and his siblings were used to being kicked out of the house at sunrise and coming back in when it started to get dark! Don had an active childhood. He enjoyed spending time with family, hanging out with friends and swimming before graduating from Austin High School. Out of High School, Don enlisted in the Army in 1968 and served honorably until his discharge in 1971, receiving multiple service medals from his time overseas. When he returned, Don worked many different jobs and places, including working for the Ford Company and driving truck for many years.
Don was blessed with three children, and family was always at the center of his life. Together, they enjoyed trips to Lake Irene in Alexandria and camping with extended family. Every summer, Don and his family traveled somewhere to visit relatives in Minnesota or Nebraska or sometimes both! Don loved being outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, boating, ice skating, and playing hockey with the kids. He made wonderful memories at Dreamer’s Resort and enjoyed sitting around campfires singing along to John Denver! He loved to host Christmas and a variety of holiday parties; he was all about friends and family being together. Later in life, Don was very proud of his six grandchildren and his great granddaughter, Lily, who was the apple of his eye. He enjoyed bowling, riding his motorcycle and had a passion for woodworking. In the mid-90s, Don met Diana Monty, who became his longtime companion and friend. Together, they traveled to places like Arizona and Florida (with the dog, Buddy, in tow!) and held onto a strong zeal for life despite some struggles later on.
Caring, gracious, fun-loving, and easy-going, Don loved his family more than anything. Don will be greatly missed by his longtime companion and friend, Diana Monty; children, Kelly (Laurie) Goodnature, Jerry (Jeni) Irwin, and Heidi Dye; grandchildren, Justin, Josh (Ariel), Cody, Tyler, Ryan, and Rylee; great-granddaughter, Lily; four siblings; other loving family and friends; and best furry friend, Buddy.
Don is preceded by his wife, Leanne Irwin; son, Dan Dye; parents; and seven siblings.
