Irish McNamee, age 86, of Hayward, WI passed away on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Essentia-St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, MN.

Ernest William McNamee was born October 22, 1938, in Minneapolis, MN the son of Raymond and Hazel (Lund) McNamee. He was raised in Minneapolis and attended school until his teens when he decided to hitchhike out to California and live with his sister. While in California, Irish tried to join the U.S. Marine Corp and made it all the way through boot camp before being released due to the fact he was not of age to join the military. Irish returned to Minnesota and finalized his high school education at Central High School. After his schooling, Irish opened LaPizzeria in Minneapolis with his brother Tom. This began a long career in food service and business ownership with Irish owning several restaurants and a movie theater in Minneapolis. He moved to Mound Minnesota where he owned and operated several taverns. Irish decided to move to Hayward, WI where he began working for Lakewoods Resort and then Hayward Power Sports where he excelled as a salesman. Irish enjoyed snowmobiling, fishing, and playing cribbage with family and friends. He loved his grandchildren dearly.

Irish is survived by four children, Kim (Rick) Firkus of St. Paul, MN, Jim (Sue) McNamee of Hayward, WI, Karin (Mike Ostlie) Scott of Granby, CO, Kristin McNamee of Bloomington, MN; one son-in-law, Todd Johnson; eleven grandchildren; eight great grandchildren (and one more on the way); and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two daughters, Kelly McNamee-Johnson, Elizabeth McNamee; six brothers, Pat, Bob, Ray, Hank, Jim, and Tom; four sisters, Roseann, “Dottie” Dorothy, Catherine and Lucille.

A memorial service celebrating Irish’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 28, 2025 at the Hayward Wesleyan Church with Pastor Ben Kidder officiating. A time of gathering will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Friday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

Last Update: Mar 25, 2025 1:19 pm CDT