Gregory W. Edwards, Sr.

October 12, 1942 - February 20, 2022

Edwards Sr., Gregory W. Age 79 of Brooklyn Park, passed away on February 20, 2022. Preceded in death by his adoptive family: parents, Gilpin and Ruth Edwards; brother, James Edwards; and sisters, Jane Greenlun and Dorothy Batko; birth family: parents, Archie and Betty Gunderson; sister, Linda Gunderson; and brother, Steve Gunderson. He will be deeply missed by his children, Greg (Mandy) Edwards and Angie (Brian) Schleper; grandchildren, Amy (Jeff) Linn, Jeremy (Kelly) Schleper, Samantha (Mike) McFadden, Zachary (MacKenzie Robinson) Schleper, Misty (Dan) Skinner, Travis (Desiree) Edwards, Greg (Amber Thorne) Edwards III, and Garrett Edwards; 21 great-grandchildren; siblings, Daniel (Jean) Gunderson, Ron (Kathy) Gunderson, Scott (Linda) Gunderson, Cindy Gunderson, and Todd (Paula) Gunderson; sister-in-law, Lynn Gunderson; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Greg was born to Archie Gunderson and Betty Jacobson in Sterns County Minnesota. His birth name was Archie Gordon Jacobson. At the age of 4 he was adopted by Gilpin and Ruth Edwards and renamed Gregory Winfield Edwards. Greg had a close connection with both his adopted family and his birth family throughout his life. Greg lived most of his childhood life in Anoka County and attended Anoka Sr High where he played basketball and football. After graduating high school Greg started his career in construction as a cement finisher where he was known as "Too Tall". He just celebrated his 60-year anniversary in the union. In his younger years Greg enjoyed racing his Olds 442, playing pool, playing poker and fishing. As Greg got older, he purchased a cabin on Mille Lacs Lake where he spent his time fishing and sitting around a fire having a Windsor with family and friends listening to music from the 50's and 60's. At the end of his life Greg had a number of health issues that slowed him down. He was still able to go up to his cabin and mow the lawn and spend time with his family and friends. A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 4, 2022 at Washburn-McReavy Coon Rapids Chapel (1827 Coon Rapids Blvd NW, Coon Rapids) at 11 AM with visitation one hour prior. We would like to welcome everyone for lunch at the Coon Rapids VFW after the service. The VFW is next to the funeral home. (1919 Coon Rapid Blvd. NW).