Sturgeon, Edward F.

Edward F. Sturgeon

On April 21, 1928, the Lord blessed Juanita and Lawrence Sturgeon with the birth of Edward Francis. He was raised in Cedar Rapids and was instilled with strong Christian values. He graduated from Roosevelt High School. As a young man he volunteered with the Brethren Service, helping with various projects in Texas.

With the sudden death of his mother, he returned home to help care for his siblings (Viola Wake, Raymon Warner and Deane Sturgeon). 

Ed worked at Quaker Oats for a brief time, before beginning a 32-year career in the model shop at Collins Radio. Ed's strong work ethic led him to additional part time maintenance jobs at KCRG-TV9 studios, the Howard Green Building, the Cedar Rapids Woman's Club and First Baptist Church. 

After his retirement, Ed “took it easy” by managing a 60-unit apartment building and working for his sons-in-law construction and ceramic businesses. 

Ed met and married his beloved wife, JoAnn Brubaker, in 1951. They first met at church, where they continued to worship together for 57 years. They raised two daughters, Debby Kress (Russell) and Angie Dvorak (Mark), and they mourned the loss of their infant son, David.

Ed took great pride in his three grandchildren, Melissa Foliente (Randy), Ryan Kress and Matt Dvorak. Ed was thrilled to find out his first great-grandchild was on the way.

Besides God, work and family, Ed believed in helping others. He volunteered at Foundation 2 Crisis Center and St. Luke's Chaplain Department. He helped build a school in Nicaragua and he served on the American Baptist Mens and Crest Home review boards.

Ed enjoyed roller skating with JoAnn (in his younger days), sharing his many stories and he loved woodworking.  

He was lovingly known as “Stubborn Sturgeon” and “Steady Eddy.”

On Feb. 20, 2010, Ed went to be with his Lord and Savior.

With his death, Ed continued to help others by donating to the Iowa Donor Network.

The family wishes to thank Mercy Medical Center ICU, St. Luke's Long Term Acute Care and St. Luke's Hospice for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 1, at First Baptist Church of the Brethren on Northland. Inurnment will be in Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. A memorial gathering will held on Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. at the church.

Online condolences may be left at under obituaries.