Joseph Kirwan

Funeral services for Joseph Kirwan were held on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gregory, SD, with Father Jonathan Dillon celebrant. Kate Kirwan was lector, Patty Willuweit was cantor, Jordyn Kirwan, Kaysen Kirwan, Killian Kirwan and Deklan Kirwan were gift bearers, and Emmett Shaffer and Miles Shaffer were altar servers. Music was provided by the congregation, accompanied by Mary Beth Gergen, pianist. Casket bearers were Jay Kirwan, Riley Kirwan, Colby Kirwan, Wil Kirwan, Jack Stukel, and Bob Brown. Interment was in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Gregory, SD, with military honors conferred by the Gregory American Legion, and the National Honors Team.

Joseph Dennis Kirwan was born June 10, 1946, in Gregory, SD, to G.R. (Gerald Robert) and Margaret Viola (Turgeon) Kirwan. He joined Janelle, Jerry, and Janice. Mary Jane was born five years later to complete their family. They were raised on the family homestead in the Fort Randall Valley, where many a Kirwan could be found.

He attended a one-room schoolhouse in the Fort Randall Valley. He went to high school at Pickstown High School. He enjoyed playing basketball for the Pickstown Engineers. His 6’3” height was certainly an advantage, along with his athletic ability. After high school, Joe continued to work on the family ranch as he had done his entire life. He was a South Dakota Army National Guard member for six years. While he didn’t make it a career, he truly enjoyed operating large equipment as a Combat Engineer.

Joe met Twila Ann Kisley, in 1969, and they were married on June 20, 1970, in Lake Andes, SD. Joe and Twila welcomed their first child, a daughter, Monica, on October 1, 1970, and then came three boys, Jay, Riley, and Colby.

They moved to Gregory, SD, in 1972. Joe was so excited to own his own ranch. He raised his family along with registered Hereford cattle for decades.

Once one son finished first grade, the next one would come along. Mike Dacy told them that once Colby graduated high school, it would be the first time in 32 years that a Kirwan kid would not be a part of the Gregory School District. Joe and Twila enjoyed every ball game and music concert. Joe was an avid Gorilla, and if he couldn’t attend games, he watched them on T.V.

Joe was a man of many talents and hobbies. It couldn’t be fixed if he couldn’t fix it with a deer antler or duct tape. He invented and tinkered. Many ingenious inventions of his are used and enjoyed by his family and friends. He and Twila spent much of their time with loved ones at the river. Joe’s favorite hobby (hunting) became a business. He loved wildlife and animals and understood them like no other. His love of hunting and his deadly aim became a business where he included his children in the adventures. Because of it, he made many lasting friendships with people from around the United States. He talked constantly of this or that group of hunters.

There was a story and a laugh for everything. He and his grandchildren loved tractor rides. He built a tree fort for his kids and then rebuilt it with his kids for his grandkids.

Joe passed away unexpectedly on March 5, 2024, at Avera Gregory Healthcare Center at the age of 77.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents G.R. and Margaret; his inlaws Tony and Eleanora (Svatos) Kisley; brother Jerry; sisters Janelle and Janice.

He is survived by his wife Twila; their daughter Monica; sons Jay (Kristen), Riley (Jerika), and Colby (Halie); and grandkids Kate, Wil, Jordyn, Kaysen, Killian and Deklan; sister Mary Jane; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

When once asked by his small son what he was being paid to help a neighbor work cattle, he responded, “I’ll be paid in this life or the next.” His son immediately understood what he meant. Joe never expected to be paid for doing good for his fellow man. He passed on these valuable lessons, teaching his sons to be good men like him.