Irwin, William 'Will' J.

William “Will” J. Irwin, 49, passed away peacefully, with his wife at his side, following a short battle with cancer on Wednesday, April 3, 2013, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, Hiawatha. Per Will's wishes there will be no visitation or services. Arrangements by Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cedar Rapids.

Survivors include his loving wife, Linda (Hannon) Irwin of Cedar Rapids, whom he loved with all his heart and soul; daughter, Ashley Strickland of Marion, whom he loved more than she knew; and granddaughter, Madison Strickland, who was his “pride and joy.” He always said he loved watching the world unfold before her eyes and he loved you so very much. Also surviving are his mother, Lois Irwin of Cedar Rapids; and brother, Bob (Liz) Irwin of Carrollton, Texas, and their son, Jack.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Irwin.

Will was born April 3, 1964, in Cedar Rapids, son of Jack and Lois Irwin. He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1982, then went and served four years in the United States Navy aboard the USS Wadsworth and the USS Anchorage. Will was a process operator for The Gazette for the last 13 years. On June 1, 2000, he married Linda Hannon in Cedar Rapids.

He loved frequenting flea markets, tag sales, antique stores and shows with his wife. The hunt for odd and unusual items was great fun for him. Will loved taking his granddaughter, Madison, on special outings and loved playing with her. She was his “little sweet pea” and brought him the greatest joy.

A special thanks to family, friends, co-workers and neighbors for their prayers and support. His family also wishes to give sincere thanks to the entire staff of nurses that gave Will excellent home-care. Thank you for all your love and kindness shown to Will and his family. A very special thank you to Will's primary home-care nurse, Cindy Stoddard. Thank you so much for the love and kindness shown to Will and his family, especially his granddaughter, Madison. His family also gives sincere thanks to the entire staff at The Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy for the excellent care, love and kindness given to Will and his family. His family also wishes to thank Dr. Jasmine Nabi and staff for the kindness and care shown. His family would like to thank all Color Web Printers and Gazette employees for the raffle and fundraisers given to help Will and his family. Words are not enough to thank you all for you kindness and generosity. It's so greatly appreciated.

Please sign the online guest book and share a memory of Will at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.

Published April 5, 2013 in The Gazette