Edmund D. Bloedel, Sr., 78, of New London, died Friday, July 6, 2012 at GlenOaks Care Center in New London.
His funeral will be 2 p.m., Sunday, July 15, 2012 at Nordland Lutheran Church, 18510 180th Ave NE, rural Paynesville.
Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are with Johnson Funeral Home in New London. Burial will be in New Ulm City Cemetery in New Ulm at a later date.
Edmund was born on Feb. 15, 1934, in Bird Island, Minn., the son of August and Magdalena (Bauman) Bloedel. When he was four, his family moved to New Ulm where his family owned and operated Bloedel Monument Company. Throughout his school years and into his early 20s he worked for the monument company. There he met his first wife, Marjorie Waddell and they were united in marriage on June 14, 1952. To this union three children were born; Ed Jr., Theresia and Ward. Following his marriage, Edmund began his 33-year career with MnDOT, working and living in many communities across southern Minnesota including: Windom, Madelia, Sherburn, Fairmont and St. James. He lost his first wife, Marjorie, to cancer in 1977.
On July 1, 1979, Edmund was united in marriage to Jean (Dahl) Thormodson in Hanska. Edmund continued to work for MnDOT until retiring in 1989 when they moved to rural New London on North Long Lake. Jean preceded Edmund in death in 2004.
Edmund was a 50-year member of the Masons and was a member of Nordland Lutheran Church where he had served as an usher, treasurer and was a part of the grounds maintenance crew. He enjoyed many winters in Florida, trips to Las Vegas and most of all, his countless fishing trips to Alaska and Canada, doing what he loved most, fishing! Edmund was always willing to share his catch of the day with family, friends and even putting on a fish fry at his church. Many of his catches were caught on the lures and rods that he made. He loved to play golf, cards and board games with family and friends. He also enjoyed the occasional outing to local casinos to play blackjack.
In 2005, Edmund suffered a stroke that left him without the ability to speak and the use of his right side. Nonetheless, he continued to live at his home on the lake. He enjoyed the solace of the lake and watching the birds at his many feeders. He was still able to enjoy trips to Las Vegas and celebrations with family.
Surviving are his sons, Edmund, Jr. (Enid) Bloedel of Fairmont; Ward Bloedel of New Ulm; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Erik (Patricia) Bloedel, Cole and Channing; Erin (Noah) Bruntlett, Tyson and Brock; Jean's children, Kevin (special friend Wendy Domeier) Thormodson of Hanska; Randy (Mary) Paulson of Okeechobee, FL; Deb Wieben of New Ulm; Sheryl (Jay) Utter of Lake Crystal; David (fiance Jodi Squires) Thormodson of Mankato. Jean's grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Kari (Jesse) Bruns, Maci; Justin Berdan; Nicole (Chad) Shields; Christopher Paulson; Tyler and Kara Wilfhart; Adam and Andrew Utter. Other survivors include brothers, Barry and August (Jean) of New Ulm, and Doug (Carol) of Marshfield, WI. As well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Besides Edmund's parents and wives; he was preceded in death by an infant daughter Theresia, twin infant siblings, brothers, Kenneth, Jack and Wally; sister, Beverly and sisters-in-law, Marlys, Nona and Sharon.