Grandpa Jack

Back in July we lost a great man, my Grandpa Jack. In honor of his birthday today, September 12^th, I wanted to write a few words about him.

I consider it such a blessing to have grandparents who’ve been there from the very beginning of my life and who’ve seen me though all my big milestones . . . from my first steps, first recitals and numerous school/sport events through graduations, my wedding and my first child. They have been a constant presence in my life and their love and support has meant so much to me.

My grandparents 62 year marriage has been so inspiring. They’ve seen each other through thick and thin and have never left each other’s side. Their love for each other has always been so apparent and has never left a doubt that the Edson family was built on a strong foundation. They’ve given me such a precious gift in my mother, but also in my aunts, uncles and cousins. They’ve given me some of the best relationships in my life.

They also gave me some of the happiest memories in my childhood. Specifically summers at the Silver Lake cabin, running around my grandparents store and family traditions celebrating Christmas. I cherish all the time we spent at the family cabin they built for us and the strong family and Norwegian traditions they have passed on to us around the holidays. They mean even more to me now that I have a little family of my own.

I will always have the fondest memories of my Grandpa. He had such a joyful, friendly personality and big smile. I don’t think I ever remember him in a bad mood and will always remember his laugh. I’m so happy Wynn got to know him too and it means so much to me that he got to be a part of his life. Wynn asks about Grandpa Jack every time we go to the cabin, so I know he made an impression on him.

Part of me can’t help but think about how unfair it is that he didn’t get to have more time with us, but then I think of all he accomplished in his life and all the happy memories he left with, so I know he had a wonderful and full life. His lasting message to us is to ‘count your blessings.’ He sang this song during the meal blessing he gave at my wedding (and many of my cousins weddings) and we sang it in parting at his funeral.

Count your blessings, name them one by one;

Count your blessings, see what God has done.

Count your blessings, name them one by one;

Count your many blessings, see what God has done.

It’s a song I sing now to Wynn and Nora before bedtime and they know it as ‘Grandpa Jack’s song'. It’s a great daily reminder to live in the moment, for even on the hard days there is so much to be thankful for. We love and miss you dearly Grandpa!

John “Jack” Edson, 82 of Barron passed away Friday, July 5, 2013 surrounded by his family. Jack was born September 12, 1930 to Clarence and Jessie (Hutchison) Edson in Barron. On June 17, 1951 he married June Bjugstad. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother. He was a lifelong member of First Lutheran Church where his involvement included 60 year choir member, Sunday School Superintendent and teacher and Church Council President.

Jack’s career in business began as a partner in the family owned Butter City Oil Company. In 1968 a new venture began when Edson’s Dept. Store opened. Jack managed the Barron Store and Edson’s in Lindstrom, Minnesota and Cumberland.

As a civic minded person, Jack was involved with Chamber of Commerce, Farm ‘n Feather Fest Chairman, Kiwanis, Boy Scouts and All School Class Reunion. He was a proud founder of Business and Industry Appreciation Day.

Jack and June loved spending time at their Silver Lake cabin with family and friends. Hobbies included fishing, hunting, golfing, skiing, traveling and class reunions. He also loved singing with the Heart of the North Barbershop chorus.

He is survived by his wife June Edson of Barron, WI; son Jeffrey (Purita) Edson of Minnetonka, MN; daughters Janelle (Peter) Halverson of Moorhead, MN; Julie (Chris) Geason of Plymouth, MN; Joan (Bill) Reichwald of North Oaks, MN; Jean (Jim) Wick of Cumberland, WI; and by 4 grandsons, 6 granddaughters, one step-grandson and 2 step-granddaughters and several great grandchildren. He is also survived by 2 brothers, Virgil (Paula) Edson of Barron, WI and Joel (Mary) Edson of Oshkosh, WI as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters, Geraldine and Marjorie, and grandsons Corbin Wick and Justin Nesvold.

Funeral services will be held Monday, July 22, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. at First Lutheran Church in Barron with Pastor Lori Peper and Pastor Steve Timm officiating. Visitation will be held at Rausch & Steel Funeral Home in Barron on Sunday July 21, 2013 from 4 to 7 P.M. and one hour prior to the services at the church. To express online condolences visit www.rauschandsteelfuneralhome.com.