On Thursday February 8th, 2024, the world lost a truly wonderful person. Verlan Eugene "Oompa" Edwards of Fridley Minnesota (89 years old) was the living embodiment of the word Love. He was a truly selfless man who put the wants and needs of others before his own. He did this with no expectations of anything in return. He had unconditional love for everyone. He was a peaceful and sincerely kind person. The world would be a much better place if there were more people like Verlan Edwards. He will be deeply missed.

Verlan graduated from Hayward High School in Wisconsin in 1952. He went on to earn a degree in aeronautical engineering. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force as part of the Strategic Air Command during the Cold War. On August 2, 1958, he married Mary Leone Lukes in Hayward Wisconsin. Shortly thereafter, Mary and Verlan moved to Portsmouth, New Hampshire. After being discharged from the Air Force, Verlan and Mary moved to the Twin Cities where Verlan worked as an engineer for Honeywell for over 32 years. He worked on the Apollo Mission project and other Defense Department contracts.

Verlan's greatest passion was golf. He lived and breathed it, watched it on TV every Sunday and subscribed to Golf Magazine his entire life. He won several golf league championships with his team from Honeywell.

Verlan was preceded in death by his mother, Lilian (Johnson) Edwards and father, Vern Zevola Edwards. Verlan is survived by his wife, Mary Leone (Lukes) Edwards and his two sons, Brian and Chris (Lisa). Also survived by his grandchildren, Donovan, Tommy and Caroline.

A celebration of life will be held at Washburn McReavy funeral chapel at 706 4th Ave NW New Brighton, MN on Saturday February 24th from 2PM to 4PM. Funeral services will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church 10586 Dakota Ave. in Hayward Wisconsin at 11AM on Saturday, March 2nd. Verlan will be interred at Greenwood Cemetery in Hayward Wisconsin at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The American Cancer Society and The American Heart Association.

Last Update: Feb 16, 2024 11:54 am CST