Edward Vigness

EDWARD VIGNESS

Waubun, Minn.

Edward Vigness, 84, of Waubun, Minn., died unexpectedly on Sunday, July 4, 2021, at his daughter's home.

Edward Chester Vigness was born on Feb. 5, 1937, in Cromwell, Minn., the son of Ole and Erceldean (Weimer) Vigness. His youth was spent in Cromwell, where he attended school and graduated from Cromwell High School. Following graduation, Ed joined the U.S. Air Force and served from 1955-59. While stationed at Merrifield Air Force Base in England, Ed was in charge of surgery and called "Medic Extraordinaire" by the doctors he served with. After his honorable discharge in 1959, Ed returned to Minnesota. He then began his career in construction, which led him to Davenport, Iowa. Edward met Charlene Brunk and the two were united in marriage on Nov. 8, 1963, and were blessed with two daughters. The couple continued to make their home in Davenport for a time. Ed's employment relocated them to various communities including West Liberty, Hiawatha and Marion, Iowa, before retiring in the mid 1990s as a construction superintendent. His career spanned 35-plus years and included supervising a crew that built several multi-million-dollar complexes. Char and Ed retired to the lake where Ed, along with his brother and nephew, built their house they still currently call home.

Ed will be remembered as a humble and intelligent man yet sassy in his own way. He had a great sense of humor and loved joking around and teasing all his grandchildren. He loved spending time with his wife and family, often picking wildflowers for Char. In addition to being the proud Patriarch of the family, Ed was also recognized as the "Protector of the neighborhood." He loved all animals, especially dogs and was known to rescue several over the years. In his spare time, Ed enjoyed fishing, gardening and feeding the birds and bunnies. He simply admired the beauty and all the wildlife around him. Although his death has left a void, his memory will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Edward is survived by his wife of nearly 58 years, Charlene; daughters, Lisa (Craig) Swanson and Wendy (Scott) Draper; grandchildren, Aaron Kehl, Leah (Chris) Lee, Evan (Kelsey) Kehl, Chelsea (CC) Starnes, Lexi Draper, Haleigh Draper and Cheryl (Juan) Manriquez; great-grandchildren, Trista, Hudson, Stella, Ryker, Lucy, Kolton, Kehl Kids, Eveony, Eskyla and Tristen; brothers, Lee Vigness and Regge (Beverly) Vigness; and sisters, Luana Walker and Colene (Stan) Lenhart.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Arthur Vigness and Kevan Oestrich.

Blessed be the memory of Edward C. Vigness.

At this time, no services are being planned as family was blessed to celebrate with him in life on July 3, 2021, at a family reunion. On that day, Ed was presented with a Quilt of Valor made by his sister, Luana, honoring his service as a Corpsman in the U.S. Air Force.

Please feel free to sign the guestbook, send condolences and view other opportunities, which may be available to the public due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Arrangements entrusted to Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen. Online website: www.andersonfamilyfh.com.