Edwin "Ed" Blumhagen

Edwin (Ed) Blumhagen passed away peacefully at home on November 14, 2018, in the arms of family. We will be remembering his life on Wednesday, November 21, 2018, 11:00 AM, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3rd St. and Avenue A., Bismarck, with Rev. Paul Schick officiating. Cremation has taken place, and there will be a visitation Tuesday, November 20, 2018, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck. Edwin was born June 11, 1930, the son of William and Katie (Lauer) Blumhagen. He was the last of their eight children to pass away, and he greatly looked forward to seeing his brothers and sisters again in their heavenly home. Ed was raised and educated in the Turtle Lake area. He was married to MaryAnn Coppin from 1956-1978. Son Bruce joined them in 1968 and daughter Shelly in 1972. Edwin was employed at the Garrison Dam for a number of years before being employed by the Bismarck Public School system for over 50 years. He was a custodian until retiring from that position and then worked as a playground/lunchroom supervisor for the next 15 years. He loved going to school every day to talk and joke with the kids and teachers. While working at Pioneer School he met and married Beverly Jensen Bird in 1982, becoming a stepfather to her three daughters, Bramblee, Brenda, and Bridgett. He immensely enjoyed watching them grow up, and he was the beloved and fun Grandpa to their kids: Emma, Isabelle, Evan, Owen, and Deryn. To know Ed was to love Ed. His kindness and gentle nature made him a favorite to his nieces and nephews and all the children who passed through his schools. Ed loved dancing and polka music. He was a tinkerer who always liked to be building something or doing something with his hands. In retirement, Ed enjoyed his daily coffee with his buddies at McDonald's and fun day-trips to the casino. Edwin was a member of Trinity Lutheran church and a lifetime member of the Eagles Club. He is survived by his wife Beverly; his children, Bruce (Jen) Blumhagen, Shelly Blumhagen, Bramblee (Bill Caughlan) Bird, Brenda (Erik) Berg and Bridgett (Jon Graham) Bird; his grandchildren; sisters-in-law Elva, Jerda, Lorraine, Ardella and Darlene, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, Edwin Knoedel; six brothers Lloyd, Leonard, Reuben, Richard, Albert, and Lawrence, and two sisters Ruth (Bennie) Schon and Pauline (Stanley) Roth. The family suggests any memorials be made to CHI Hospice or Prairie Public Television (Polka Time!).