Memorial services for John C. Edwards of New Richland will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Trinity Lutheran Church in New Richland. The Rev. Paul Andree will officiate. Visitation will be held today from 4 until 7 p.m. at the Friedrich Funeral Home in New Richland, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in Ft Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis. Military honors will be accorded by the New Richland American Legion.
John died Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2010, in Rochester. He was 84 years of age.
John was born Feb. 7, 1926, in Albert Lea, the son of Russell S. and Metta M. (Ruhberg) Edwards. He graduated from Albert Lea High School and continued his education at Iowa State University, Macalester College, Randolph Macon College, University of California Berkley and Wisconsin State at Superior. He graduated from Winona State and Mankato State Education with degrees in Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
John was united in marriage to Joan Bickford on Aug. 29, 1954, at the Salem Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. He taught school in the New Richland Public Schools and worked for the Albert Lea engineering department, doing street construction.
John served his country during World War II in the Army Air Corps and the Korean War as a B29 gunner with the Air Force. He was a member of the American Legion for 63 years. John was also a member of the MEA and NEA, New Richland and Hartland Education Association and was a Cub Scout Master. John was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.
In his free time, John taught snowmobiling when it first started in the area, built his own sailboat and studied sailing lore. He enjoyed radio controlled airplanes, electric trains, building and flying model rockets and cars. He also made and played many musical instruments. One of his favorite pastimes was traveling to see the children and grandchildren.
John is survived by his children: Cheryl and her husband Rod Thompson of North Bend, Wash., Jay and his wife Jenny Edwards of Anthony, N.M., Karin and her husband Daniel Pyan of Stewartville; grandchildren include: Holly Thompson and her special friend Chris Behrens, Payton (Ally) Thompson, Jason (Daisy) Edwards, Jacqueline Pyan and her special friend Sean Cloutier, Jacob Pyan, Jonathan Pyan and stepgrandchildren William (Jessica) Robinson and Meghan Robinson; great-grandchildren include: Carter Cloutier, Gabriel and Diego Barron and Brandon Robinson.
John was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Joan; and brothers: George (Doris) Edwards, Russell (Beth) Edwards and Samuel (Betty) Edwards.