Edward Aaron Sawyer died peacefully on Monday May 22, 2017 in Rochester, MN.

Ed was born on June 28, 1941 in Downsville, Wisconsin to Enos Dewey and Delta Lavia Sawyer.  He spent his childhood in St. Paul, MN where his family had relocated for income opportunities during World War II.

He was proud of his military service, having served in the US Armed forces, both active duty and in the reserves from 1961-66.

Ed met his wife of nearly 54 years, Sandra Marie (Schaffner), on a double blind date (she was not his date!).  They married on August 10, 1963.

Two words that describe Ed would be: opinionated and passionate. Anyone close to him would likely vouch for that description.

He graduated from Bemidji State University in Bemidji, MN in 1968 with an industrial arts degree.  He enjoyed a diverse work career for over 36 years, beginning as a shop teacher at Walker High School in Walker, MN. He next formed a prefab home business with a business partner, which over a period of years led to several other aspects of residential, commercial and farming-related construction. He enjoyed remodeling homes for his family and others.

Ed's patriotism and love for his country extended to politics, humanitarian affairs, and short-term Christian ministry and missions work.

He was on the White Oak Township Board near Akeley, MN in the 1970's and even ran for the MN State Senate in 1976 and for the MN House of Representatives in 1978 and 1980. He loved political affairs and remained active in the Republican party throughout his adult life.  Besides politics, he had a passion to help others, participating in multiple mission ventures with Youth With a Mission.  His example and enthusiasm for service inspired many, including his children.

Ed, Sandy, and their three children spent nearly 20 years residing in Texas. There, Ed worked in construction management and defense contracting.  He was proud of his years working on fighter planes, including the F-16.

For the last nearly 20 years of his life, Ed and Sandy retired in the beautiful La Crescent, MN.

Ed and Sandy enjoyed the companionship of numerous lifelong friends and relatives throughout the years. He cherished those relationships throughout his life.

Ed was preceded in death by his Parents and many relatives. He left behind his wife of almost 54 years, Sandy, Rochester, MN, his brother, Cal Sawyer (Kay), of Aurora, CO, his three children, E. David Sawyer, J.D., of North Richland Hills, Texas, Mikel L. Sawyer, Ph.D. (Verna) of Humble, Texas, and Halena M. Gazelka, M.D. (Tim Lamer, M.D.), of Byron, MN.

He is further survived by his six grandchildren, Elizabeth Gazelka of Maple Grove, MN, Allison M. Shillingford of Byron, MN (William Shillingford), and Nathan, Erin, and Amy Sawyer all of Humble, Texas. Furthermore, he left behind his very devoted great grandson, Liam Shillingford, and one of the other loves of his life, his labrador, Maggie.

The Funeral Service for Ed will be at 10:00AM, Friday, May 26, 2017 at the Byron Funeral Home in Byron, MN.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.  Burial will be at the Minnesota State Veteran's Cemetery in Preston, MN at 1:00PM.

RIP, Edward Aaron Sawyer. May you find eternal peace, strength, and joy in the strong, capable, and caring hands of your Heavenly Father.

Online condolences are welcome at www.byronfuneralhome.com.