Chris Irwin

August 31, 2010

       Dec. 25, 1957 — Aug. 28, 2010
KOONTZ LAKE — Francis Christopher "Chris" Irwin, 52, passed away Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010 in Lutheran Hospital, Ft. Wayne. 
Chris was born Dec. 25, 1957 in Chicago, Ill. to Francis X. and Margaret M. (Quebbeman) Irwin and lived at Koontz Lake since 1974, coming from Chicago. 
Surviving are, his wife Merita; one daughter, Tara Irwin of Valparaiso; three stepsons, Jamie (Tina) Plunkett of Walkerton, Sean (Christy) Plunkett of Ft. Wayne and Patrick (Lisel) Plunkett of South Bend; his mother, Marge Irwin of Koontz Lake; one brother, Marty (Jacinta) Irwin of Ft. Myers, Fla.; two sisters, Teresa Papoi of Walkerton and Beth (Randy) Schmeltz of Koontz Lake; seven grandchildren; niece, Anna Schmeltz; nephew, Aaron Rolewicz; and dear friend, Pam Van Ness.
He was preceded in death by his father and nephew, Derrick Rolewicz.
Chris was the owner of Freedom Insurance in Plymouth.  In his earlier career he worked at Bashor Home for Boys in Goshen and the Starke County Welfare Dept. as a social worker. He was a 1976 graduate of Oregon-Davis High School, and a graduate of Ancilla College and Indiana University, South Bend. He was a Junior Achievement volunteer at Oregon-Davis High School, former President of the O-D Alumni Association and a caregiver at Marshall Starke Development Center.
A memorial service will be Thursday, Sept. 2, 2010 at 3 p.m. (Eastern Time) at the Walkerton United Methodist Church with Pastor Charlene Allen officiating. An opportunity to share special memories at the service will be given. 
Friends may visit with the family Thursday at the church from 1 p.m. ET until the time of services. 
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be given to the Chris Irwin Scholarship Fund. 
Rannells Funeral Home, Koontz Lake Chapel is handling arrangements. 
To leave online condolences go to: rannellsfuneralhome. com.