Obituaries

Millard Clyde Irwin, age 71, of Rudyard, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on October 23, 2025. He was born on January 12, 1954, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to Frank and Mildred (Holt) Irwin.

Millard was raised in Rudyard and graduated from Rudyard Area Schools with the Class of 1972. Following graduation, he served his country in the United States Navy. A true entrepreneur at heart, Millard built a successful career in construction, real estate, and hospitality, always approaching every endeavor with hard work, integrity, and determination.

Millard was a “salt of the earth” kind of guy. Though he carried a gruff exterior, those who knew him best understood his heart of gold. He spoke his mind, stood by his word, and loved his family deeply.

In his younger years, he was active in the Boy Scouts of America and served as an altar boy at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rudyard. Millard loved the outdoors, hunting, boating, and anything that gave him a sense of freedom. Some of his fondest memories came from roughhousing with his brothers, known to many as “the Irwin Boys.”

He loved the open road and took every opportunity to ride, logging miles and memories across the country on his motorcycles, including the one he built from the ground up.

Millard is survived by his son, Jason Oberle of Sault Ste. Marie; granddaughter, Alyssa VerWiebe of Aspen, Colorado; siblings, Mitch (Jennifer) Irwin, Maury “Moe” (Angela) Irwin, and Mia (William) Wheeler; and sisters-in-law, Sara Irwin and Linda Irwin; he will also be deeply missed by his partner, Rachel Shields.

Millard was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mildred Irwin, and brothers, Michael Irwin and Malcolm “Manny” Irwin.

Honoring Millard’s wishes, no services are planned at this time.

A celebration will be held for Millard in the spring of 2026.

Family Life Funeral Homes – Pickford assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.