Michael Dean Irwin, 82, of Lodi, passed away in his sleep on Monday, December 8th in Prairie du Sac, WI.

Mike was born at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison, WI on November 9th, 1943, to James and Irma Irwin.  After graduating from Sun Prairie High School in 1961, Mike continued his studies at UW-Whitewater where he received his bachelor's degree in history and English and was a member of their 1965 championship baseball team.

While working on his master's degree in journalism, he reported, edited, and photographed sports for The Sun Prairie Countryman.

Mike raised his family on his farm in Lodi while teaching Technical Writing and Journalism at MATC for 30 years. While teaching was a passion for Mike it was only one of many.  He was an avid reader and could discuss any topic with vigor. A hobby farmer, he always had a summer vegetable garden to envy. Mike was the first organic farmer of amaranth in Wisconsin and helped champion its health benefits, teaching its growth in Kenya, Africa.

A published author of non-fiction, Mike loved words. He contributed articles to the Wisconsin State Journal and the Capital Times. He broke the story of Chronic Wasting Disease that had been decimating the deer population in Wisconsin. He wrote, acted, and directed several plays and one man shows which he toured around Wisconsin.  A member of the Sauk Prairie Theatre Guild, his most treasured role was as Ebenezer Scrooge in The Christmas Carol. He loved working with young people and teaching them stage craft.

A father, a brother, a dear friend to many, Mike will be remembered for his boundless energy, ingenuity, creativity, and deep respect for nature. He generously gave to humanitarian causes and believed heavily in supporting the local community.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Free Congregation of Sauk County, 307 Polk St. in Sauk City, WI on Thursday, January 8th at 1 pm. Visitation will be held an hour before and an hour after the Celebration. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate to PBS or NPR of which he was an avid supporter.