William G. “Bill” Irvin

POYNETTE – William G. “Bill” Irvin, age 81, of Poynette passed away on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at his home.

Bill was born on October 16, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of William and Viola (Westphal) Irvin. He grew up in Madison, where he attended Madison East High School. He joined the family plastering business and was able to work on many Madison landmarks, such as the State Capitol dome and many of the University of Wisconsin buildings. While he was serving his country during the Korean War in the Air Force, he was able to pitch softball for the Air Force team. He married Donajo Johnson on May 16, 1970 at the Courthouse in Madison. They moved to Poynette with their four children.  Bill enjoyed his family and friends, pitching softball, fishing, traveling across the country with his wife, his dog Purdy, and his harmonica. According to Dona, “if he could hear it-he could play it.” After a near fatal fall at work he picked up his paint brush and never stopped.

Bill is survived by his wife, Donajo, Poynette; his children, Jerrold H.(Carol) Johnson, Darby D. (Bob) Bisbee, Elizabeth A. (Brian) Lehr, Lowell M. (Rhonda) Johnson, Billy Irvin and Nancy Buhler; 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Viola and William Irvin, his brother Jimmy and his daughter Laura.

Memorial services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 24, 2011at Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Poynette with Pastor Sharon Smith officiating. Inurnment will be private. Visitation will be held on Saturday, from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.  A memorial fund is being established in Bill’s name.