Obituary of Donald Irelan

Donald Erwin Irelan, 69, of Burlington, CO passed away at his home on Sunday, March 21, 2010. Don, the youngest son of Marion and Elva (Stevens) Irelan, was born in Brush, CO on May 10, 1940. He graduated from Oxford Community High School in Oxford, NE in 1957. During high school, Don played football, basketball, and baseball. Following high school, Don attended Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, where he played baseball. Don's love of sports continued throughout his lifetime, whether it was on the field or on the sidelines. He enjoyed playing golf, reading, and watching sports. Don began his career as an assistant manager with the Foster Lumber Company in Oxford. Throughout his career, he worked for lumberyards as a manager in the following locations: Loveland, CO; Scott City, KS; and Manhattan, KS. Most recently, he worked at Herman Lumber Company in Burlington, CO. On December 16, 1961, Don married Frances Schmidt at St. John's Lutheran Church in Oxford, NE. Later, they became the parents of two daughters, Michele and Kaylynn. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Marion and Elva Irelan; his sister, Marian Mae, Welsh and her husband, Bob; and his cousin, Bonnie Fish and her husband, Wayne. Survivors include two daughters: Michele Irelan of Whitefish, MT; and Kaylynn Azer, of Niskayuna, NY; a son-in-law, Magdi Azer, and two grandsons, Nic and Ryan, also of Niskayuna, NY; and many nieces and nephews.