Edwin D. “Eddie” Brelje

Obituary

Edwin D. “Eddie” Brelje was born on June 18, 1935, in Glencoe, Minnesota. He was the son of Lorenz H. von der Brelje and Caroline Nona (Duehn) Brelje. Eddie was baptized as an infant on June 30, 1935, and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth on April 2, 1950, by H.C. Streufert, both at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe. He received his education in Glencoe.

On July 12, 1954, Eddie entered active military service for the United States Marine Corps and served his country during the Korean War. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Service Medal. Eddie was Honorably Discharged on July 11, 1957, having achieved the rank of CPL. He was proud to serve in the Marines and became an active member of the Glencoe VFW Post #5102.

On September 21, 1957, Eddie was united in marriage to Barbara Bergeron in New Orleans, Louisiana, by Ewald Recks at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. After their marriage, the couple resided in Glencoe, Minnesota. He was employed as an Auto Mechanic at Harpel Brothers Inc. in Glencoe until his retirement. Eddie and Barb were blessed with three daughters, Julie, Joni, and Jill. They shared 39 years of marriage until Barb passed away on October 18, 1996.

Eddie married Dorothy Voigt on August 12, 2000, and they shared 21 years of marriage until Dorothy passed away in March 2022.

Eddie was a lifelong member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church and served on their cemetery board for several years.

Eddie enjoyed fishing (in the boat and on the ice), listening to polka music, woodworking, and tinkering around with mechanical items, just to see what he could create. Dessert was his all-time favorite food group. Eddie loved to take long drives, checking out the crops and taking in the beauty of the fall colors. During those drives, he made sure to check in on the family farm where he grew up.  Eddie enjoyed working at the Glencoe Country Club in his retirement and collecting golf balls. He enjoyed frequenting the Glencoe VFW, socializing, and spending time with his friends. Eddie cherished the time he spent with his family, especially his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Eddie passed away on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at GlenFields Living With Care in Glencoe at the age of 87 years. Blessed be his memory.

Eddie is survived by his:
Daughters,  Julie Breyer and her husband, Tim of Glencoe, MN,
                     Joni Stockman and her husband, Lee of Zumbrota, MN,
                     Jill Weber and her husband, Jason of Elkhorn, NE;
Grandchildren, Todd Breyer and his wife, Courtney, Tyler Breyer and fiancé, Lexi Lopez, Trevor Breyer, Jessica Kitzmann and her husband, Garrett, Miranda Raasch and her husband, Stu, Zakk Weber, and Dawson Weber;
Great-grandchildren, Jordan, Mackenzie, MaKynna and MaKayla Breyer, Mitchell, Alex, Ben, and Madison Kitzmann, Lane and Judd Raasch;
Brother, Vernon Brelje of Forest Lake, MN;
Brother-in-law, Neil Selchow of Minneapolis, MN;
Sister-in-law, Mary Brelje of Glencoe, MN;
Nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Eddie was preceded in death by his Parents, Lorenz and Caroline Brelje; Wife, Barbara Brelje; Sisters, Marian Gronewold and her husband, Herb, Dorothy Selchow, Lois “Polly” Zuehl and her husband Wilmer; Brothers, Marvin and Leroy “Butch” Brelje; Sister-in-law, Jeanne Brelje; Parents-in-law, Irvin Sr. and Lovedee Bergeron.