"Ed was a devout Catholic and truly lived his beliefs. It is becoming rarer to find an honest, caring person without a mean bone in their body. Ed was such a person. Not just a volunteer in many organizations, but a friend and visitor to our home in many of the states where we have lived. Always a source of information, especially about IBM, we appreciated Ed sharing with us, sending articles, shipping Goerstner's book, and putting up with my (mary's) questions and comments on my frequent calls for advice and/or just to chat with Pat and Ed. We are missing him already and only wish there were more like him. With great sadness, many tears, and heartfelt condolences for Pat, Teresa, and Ellen, Mary Barez and Lex Fairfax"
In loving memory of
Edward Walsh
February 13, 1935 - May 16, 2020
Edward J. Walsh, 85, of Rochester, MN died Saturday, May 16, 2020 at Saint Mary's Hospital.
Edward John Walsh was born February 13, 1935 to Harry and Susan (Pregler) Walsh in Dubuque, IA. He graduated in 1953 from St. Columbkille High School in Dubuque, IA. After high school, he attended Loras College in Dubuque and graduated with a B.S. in Physics in 1957. Following college, he joined the U.S. Army and worked at Redstone Arsenal as a physicist from 1957 to 1959, and received a Good Conduct Medal. He worked for the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Naval Space Surveillance System from 1961 to 1967, where he met his wife, Patricia Gavin. They were married on November 15, 1965. He then began work for IBM, and lived in Bowie, Maryland, Parsippany, New Jersey and Olney, Maryland. In 1976 the Walsh family moved to Rochester, MN where Mr. Walsh continued to work for IBM as a programmer. He retired from IBM in 1991. In his free time, he volunteered for Channel One Food Bank, was a member of the Kiwanis Club, tutored students at RCTC and was an amateur radio operator (W0EJW).
Edward is survived by his wife, Patricia Walsh of Rochester; and two daughters, Ellen Walsh of Arlington, VA and Teresa Walsh of Golden Valley, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, William and one sister, Blanche Lenger.
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date at St. Pius Catholic Church. Inurnment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Channel One Food Bank of Rochester, MN (helpingfeedpeople.org).
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes is honored to be serving the Walsh family. To leave a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
"My dad is a mechanical genius, he can fix anything."
Tributes
"Dear Pat, Ellen, and Teresa, I?m so very sorry to hear of Ed?s passing. I just called my mom, who saw this now in the recent obituaries, so herself is just learning this sad news and plans to reach out to Pat. I will always remember Ed for his kindness. Sending the warmest of thoughts and prayers to the Walsh family. Love, Laura Saied"
"Thank you everyone for your kind words. Ed did so much for so many people. It couldn't all be captured. He refurbished bicycles year round for donation during the holidays. He set up the data base & printed all the mailers for the annual Rochester Int'l Film Fest, which was Pat's passion. He was also the official photographer for the annual Film Fest. Ed will be on his way to Arlington tomorrow. What an honor for him we're certain! WD0FFB. Whiskey Delta Foxtrot Foxtrot Bravo, his ham radio handle. So many things...he passed in peace listening to classical music. "
"Dear Pat and Family, So sorry to hear of your loss. Ed volunteered with the Polka Spirit Polka Mass group for a decade and until the Polka Spirit group retired in the 2000's. Ed and Pat provided great support for the many Polka Spirit Masses over the years. Ed's singing, enthusiasm, and constant dependability was a hallmark of Ed and the group. For the years after Polka Spirit group was retired, whenever I was fortunate to bump into Ed, he would always take the time to share a kind word and visit a bit. Ed will be greatly missed. Rest in peace Ed."
"We are sorry for your loss. The Walshes were good neighbors at Five Oaks Condominium. From Joe and Mary Pesch who lived in the apartment above them."
"Dear Pat and Family, I knew Ed from Kiwanis and as my job as program director at Channel One. He was one of my good Kiwanis volunteers, whom I appreciated so much. They would do anything to help. Reading his obituary, I was amazed at how varied his career was and what a talented man he was. You were fortunate to have such a wonderful husband and father. My sincere condolences, Marcia Dollerschell"
"So sorry for your loss.. Ray and I remember many dinners out with you. I am sure that you will miss Ed. Once this COVID19 is over, we need to get together. Love, Ray and Mary B. "
"Our condolences to the Walsh Family at this very difficult time.
Love, Gretchen and Kalimar Maia"
"Our condolences to the Walsh family.
Love, Laura & Paul Pinizzotto"
"Ed was a friend for over four decades - at IBM, in Ham Radio, in Kiwanis activities and at St. Pius. He will be missed but not forgotten. Rest in peace Ed."
"Sadly, I did not get to know Ed for long but always enjoyed my interactions with him. His stories of the history of computing at IBM were enlightening. He was obviously a brilliant, but even more importantly, a kind and compassionate man. My very best to you Patricia and your family during this time. While current events may prevent the crowds that wish to gather to gather in person at this time - know that you are all gathered in our thoughts. - Warmly - Dondi at Five Oaks . Your Five Oaks family misses you here. "
" Pat, Ellen and Teresa
You are in our Thoughts and Prayer
Love
The Vermeersch Family"