Edward Blegen

Edward "Ed" Lars Blegen - dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend - passed away in his sleep at home in Minnetonka, Minnesota on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at the age of 98. Ed was born to Ignus and Gina Blegen in Minneapolis, Minnesota on November 22, 1924. He was the eldest of 5 children. Ed graduated from Washburn High School, Minneapolis, MN in 1942. He attended the University of Minnesota for 2 years until drafted by the Army in 1946, pausing his studies to perform accounting for a US Korean military base. He returned to the University 17 months later and graduated from the University of Minnesota "With Distinction" in June 1949, with a Bachelor's in Business Administration. In 1949 he began his career as Junior Cost Accountant for the Toni Company, a division of Gillette, St. Paul MN. He was promoted to Chief Cost Accountant in 1960 and was promoted to Plant Controller in 1973. During his Gillette career and with 5 children on board he began working nights in pursuit of the arduous Certified Public Accountant CPA designation. He was awarded the CPA in 1973, and with his wife Marilyn's encouragement, elected to leave Gillette, opening his own Public Accounting Practice. Ed acquired a small practice and loved working with his small business clients where he completed the monthly and annual financials. He particularly enjoyed annual tax return activities for individuals and small businesses; equating them to a "puzzle" with many disparate elements he would assimilate to create an accurate IRS compliant result. Pure joy for a numbers guy! In 1979, he accepted a position as Controller of Community State Bank. For 10 years he worked through 2 acquisitions, the latter being US Bank. In 1989, he left US Bank and re-focused on his own accounting practice doing annual tax returns. He continued his tax business until age 86. Ed and Marilyn M (Palli) were married in the Chapel at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri on January 27, 1951. At the time of their wedding, Ed was active duty serving in the United States Army. He was proud that he had the opportunity to serve in Korea during the conflict. Ed received his 2nd Honorable discharge from the US Army in November 1951. In 1952, they started their family of five children - three sons and two daughters. Ed enjoyed being a father of five, grandfather of nine and a great grandfather of four. Ed and Marilyn called Bloomington their home, and happily celebrated 72 years of marriage on January 27, 2023. Through the years, Ed enjoyed playing golf, bridge and card games of all kinds. Ed loved music of all genres, most especially Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson. "Sunday Morning Coming Down" from Kris is his favorite song of all time. Ed's most cherished day of the week was when the Minnesota Vikings were playing football. Ed from childhood was a devout "Sun" worshipper and would spend 30 minutes whenever possible absorbing the relaxing rays from our nearest star. Appropriately, for over 30 years, Ed and Marilyn took up winter residence at "The Fountain of the Sun", Mesa, Arizona. Ed always looked forward to spending each winter in Mesa with Marilyn and joining the company of their many friends-- going on outings, lunches, dinners, golfing and of course the SUN. Ed is survived by his wife, Marilyn; their children David, Mary, Jim (Lisa), Bill (Jane) and Beth (Royce). Nine grandchildren, Nicole (Tylor), Sarah (Ed), Ben (Kristin), Broc, Mariah (Jon), Andrew (Taylor), Rosina, Joe and Thomas. Four great Grandchildren, Carleigh, Riley, Caden and Talon. Also, three surviving sisters-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral for Ed will be held on July 21, 11AM with visitation at 10AM. St. Edwards Catholic Church. 9401 Nesbitt Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55437. Memorial- No flowers. Please donate to Bridging using the link.: Donate - Bridging | Help support our mission (https://bridging.org/donate/)

Tributes

Edward Blegen

November 22, 1924 - July 8, 2023

Tributes

Edward Blegen

November 22, 1924 - July 8, 2023

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