Joan "Jo" M. (Brenneman) Irwin

Joan Maureen (Brenneman) Irwin was born January 24, 1935 in Burwell, Nebraska to Clarence and Mildred (Hibnes) Brenneman. The family lived in Garfield County until 1946, at which time they moved to Holt County, Nebraska. Jo attended school in Atkinson, graduating high school in 1952. She obtained a teaching certificate after attending Chadron State College. Returning home, she taught school both in Holt County and in Brown County for several years.

She met and fell in love with Lyle Irwin during this time and they were married on June 17, 1955. To this union, one son, Rick, was born.

Jo enjoyed being active. She truly enjoyed fishing and camping as time allowed. She was a fan of many types of sports. She loved her hobbies of horseshoes, square dancing, waters skiing and was an avid bowler for many years. Jo attended state bowling tournaments and participated in national bowling tournaments in Minneapolis, Minnesota and Las Vegas, Nevada. She earned the honor of being a “600 Club” member.

One of Jo’s “hobbies” that she started in 1962 turned into a business. She loved buying and selling antiques, and this continued for over 50 years. Travelling to several states in the Mid-West, looking for treasures and bargains, she gained many friends throughout the process.

Jo also enjoyed spending time at the Ainsworth Senior Center. She was an active Board Member for a number of years, and volunteered in many ways to assist with activities. She helped with the Senior Meals program and delivered meals weekly. Jo loved to play pool and card games with other members of the Center.

Jo loved and was especially proud of her grandchildren, Karsyn, Caeleb and Rhion. She appreciated spending time with them and sharing in their accomplishments. Jo attended as many of the various sporting events and school activities they were involved in as she could.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lyle Irwin; parents, Clarence and Mildred Brenneman; sisters, Milray Murray and Shirley Faye Brenneman; her grandparents and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Jo Irwin is survived by her son, Rick and wife, Shelli Irwin; grandchildren, Karsyn Lyle, Caeleb James and Rhion Joann; sister-in-law, Donna Irwin; special cousin, Sandy Breiner of Stuart, Nebraska; nephews, Ed Marsoun and Ken Murray of Oregon; several other nieces, nephews and other family members.


A Graveside Memorial Service was held on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at the Ainsworth Cemetery with Pastor Gary Graesser officiating at the service. Memorials were suggested to the Ainsworth Public Library or the donor’s choice in Jo’s name. Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth was in charge of the arrangements and condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com .