Paul Irwin ("PCI" or "Pauli"), 78, of Brookings died on September 28, 2019 at the Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls. A time of visitation will be held on Thursday, Oct. 3 from 5 until 7 with a prayer service and sharing of memories beginning at 6 p.m. at Eidsness Funeral Home in Brookings. Funeral services are planned for Friday, Oct. 4 beginning at 11 a.m. at the Pius XII Newman Center at 1321 8 ^th Street in Brookings.

Paul was born in Watertown, South Dakota on February 1, 1941 to Pauline (Krakowski) and Chester Irwin. He was sworn into the Army the day of his high school graduation, and served two years, including a time in South Korea. Paul then worked as an orderly in Watertown, South Dakota and Salt Lake City, Utah. Paul graduated from South Dakota State University with a BA in Child Development. He worked as a child welfare worker with the Department of Social Services; a social worker consultant to nursing homes; and a vocational rehabilitation counselor. Paul always advocated for his clients' rights and the programs they needed.

Paul married Connie Carmody, who he still often referred to as his "bride," on June 5, 1965. Their son, Mike, was born in 1986 and died in 2010.

Paul loved to get to know people, and could talk to anyone, whether he knew them or not. Paul had a variety of interests, including reading, biking, walking, and golfing. He especially enjoyed his time with his golfing/talking buddies—Jim Thompson, Tom Dobbs and Mel Schrader, and his coffee time at Perkins in Brookings and his chat group in Madison. He always had an interest in investments and other financial matters, which helped him retire early. Paul was a long-term member of the Board of Health.

Paul is survived by his wife, Connie Irwin (Brookings), his brother John Irwin (Phoenix, SD), his brother Tom Irwin (Des Moines, IA), and his sister Tika Sendelweck (Clark, SD), and several cousins, nieces and nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews.

If you would like to make a donation in memory of Paul, suggested organizations are the Brookings Public Library, the Bishop Dudley House, the St. Francis House, or a charity of your choice.