David Michael Kirwan died peacefully on April 4, 2026, at Aspirus Hospital, during a Duluth spring snow. 

Dave was born in Peoria, Illinois, in 1951 to David Francis and Emma Catherine (Lunsford) Kirwan. He grew up in West Simsbury, Connecticut, one of six creatively minded kids. It was during his childhood spent watching late-night monster movies and creating scenery for summer theater productions that his love for drawing and painting first took hold, as did his eternal fervor for classic films. 

Dave moved to Collegeville, Minnesota, in 1969 to attend St. John’s University. As a transplant, he started tagging along on weekend trips with his best friend, who hailed from Duluth. But it wasn’t the home cooking or scenic drive that kept luring Dave back. It was his friend’s girlfriend, a funny, equally artistic redhead named Jean McPheeters. When his friend left to study abroad, Dave swooped in. And thus began a 54-year-long love story so remarkable and apparent to all that even his best friend happily conceded it was meant to be. 

Dave and Jean fell fast and young. After just a few dates, he took her to a showing of “Dumbo” and proposed, telling her that someday they’d have little Dumbos of their own. They soon married and had three children: Alex, Wednesday, and Molly (only two of whom have comically large ears). 

As widely accomplished as he was adored, Dave was a syndicated cartoonist; a film collector of some note; an amateur pop culture historian; an illustrator; an animator; co-founder and creative director of Carlson and Kirwan advertising agency; and a beloved Duluth character, who was famous for his long, white beard and loud comic-print shirts. But he was best known by many as the Grand Sheik of the local chapter of the Sons of the Desert, the official international society of Laurel and Hardy film enthusiasts. 

The monthly Sons meetings weren’t the only place Dave was able to share his enthusiasm for old comedies and cartoons. From projecting Looney Tunes over his kids’ cribs to showcasing his 16 mm movie collection at various community events, Dave used his passions as a way to connect with loved ones and strangers alike. And he was proud of his children for doing the same, translating their talents—all of which they inherited from him—into their professional and home lives.  

Everything Dave did, he did with his loving “Jeanie McBeanie” at his side. Since the pandemic, the two had been enjoying a well-earned retirement spent painting, exploring national parks, and doting on their grandkids.  

Dave was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Anna Kirwan; and his brother-in-law, David “Mick” Gick. Also, his loyal dog, Lulu.  

He is survived by his sisters, Gloria Gick, Alice (Mike) Murray, Mary Jo Kirwan; his brother, James “Jimmy” Kirwan; his children, Alex (Leticia Lacy) Kirwan, Wednesday Kirwan, Molly Kirwan; his grandchildren, Nightingale Kirwan, Enzo Kirwan, Juniper Heroux; and many adored in-laws, nieces, and nephews. And by the love of his life, Jean Kirwan.  

The family extends a special thank-you to the Aspirus St. Luke's ICU and hospice staff for the compassion and care they showed David and his family during the two weeks preceding his passing.  

The family is holding a service at the Cremation Society of Minnesota, Duluth, on Saturday, April 11th, with visitation from 1 pm until the 2 pm service.