On October 23, 2025, at 6:01 p.m., Joseph Knipe Irwin embarked on one final flight.

Joe was born in Estherville, Iowa, to Marilyn Knipe and William Irwin on April 10, 1951. After spending his childhood in multiple states and cities, he found himself in Plainview, Minn., where he attended Plainview High School, graduating with the Class of 1969. Joe was very active in athletics of all kinds, and it is there that he met his high school sweetheart, Cathy Harlan, whom he would marry on May 6, 1972.

In 1970, Joe enlisted into the United States Air Force, where he served his country proudly in the Vietnam War, and was honorably discharged, holding the rank of Sergeant.

Not only was Joe a determined businessman, he was active in the Boy Scouts of America, where he obtained his Order of the Arrow, Wood Badge, and served as Troop Leader for Troop 166, sponsored by First Presbyterian Church. He was a legendary pilot and flight instructor, becoming more active with charity flights after his retirement from Ryerson Steel.

He was also an avid car afficionado and a jack of all trades — if something needed to be fixed, he could fix it, or at least he would pay someone to fix it. Joe was a man of the utmost integrity, honesty, and character. If you needed anything, you could depend on him.

Although he took his last flight solo, he was surrounded by his loving wife Cathy and his four sons, Eric, Matthew, Timothy, and Patrick, when he took off.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law Shari Irwin, and brother in-law Rick McGrath.

Joe is survived by his wife Cathy, four sons Eric (Kathy), Matt (Meghan), Tim, and Patrick; grandchildren Emily, Annika, and Miles; sisters Jane (Pat) Davitt and Nancy (Craig) Troester; brother Bill Irwin, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A visitation will be held at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home on Monday, October 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. with a memorial service on Tuesday, October 28, at 2 p.m. held at First Presbyterian Church, Mooresville, N.C.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Boy Scouts of America — Troop 166 or The Capital Building Fund of First Presbyterian Church.

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Irwin family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.