Funeral services for Edwin A. Bogenschutz will be at 3 p.m. Monday, March 13, at Salem Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. The Rev. Jay Dahlvang will officiate. Visitation will be held at Salem Lutheran Church from 1 to 3 p.m. Internment will be at Graceland Cemetery. Edwin passed away Thursday evening March 9, 2006, at Good Samaritan in Albert Lea. He was 86 years old.

Born Sept. 6, 1919, in Foster township, Edwin was a lifelong resident of Freeborn County. He was the eldest son of Albert and Lizzie Bogenschutz. His mother and father preceded him in death as did two brothers Orville and Arnold and two sisters Adeline and LaVerna.

He married Virginia Blaser at Salem Lutheran Church Nov. 2, 1946. Virginia (Ginny) and their five children survive him: LeAnn Fritsche and Sharee Bogenschutz of Albert Lea, Tim (Nancy) Bogenschutz of Brainerd, Daniel Bogenschutz of Owatonna and Arnold (Valerie) Bogenschutz of Mankato. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Edwin was a carpenter’s helper until his 21st birthday when he enlisted in the army prior to World War II. He was part of the 10th engineers, 7th infantry and was among the first troops that landed in North Africa. He spent over two-and-a-half years on the front lines in Africa, Sicily, Italy, France, Germany and ending in Berchtesgarden, Austria. He was discharged at the end of the European campaign. Highly decorated, he received eight battle stars, two purple hearts and the Silver Star for gallantry. He was discharged at the rank of Staff Sergeant and came home to stay in June of 1945.

He worked for Interstate Power and Murphy Transfer Co. from which he retired in 1981 after 30 years. He enjoyed a long retirement by traveling, going to army reunions, investigating genealogy, and eating breakfast at McDonalds. He was a lifetime member of Salem Lutheran Church where he was baptized, confirmed, and married. He was also a member of the American Legion for nearly 40 years. Known for his woodworking, he did many projects for people and his church. The only thing he enjoyed more then that was spending time with his family. His life was caring for his family and he was very proud of his children and grandchildren.

He is finally at peace after a long illness following a stroke. Edwin, Dad, and Grandpa’s kind and helping ways have already been missed by all those who knew him.