Edward Keating Thode

Thode, Edward Keating Age 73 of Plymouth, died on September 15, 2010 from metastatic melanoma. Ed is survived by his wonderful wife of 40 years, Barbara Olsen Thode; son, Michael C. (Claudia) and grandsons, Tyler and Trevor; daughters, Julie Mulloy (Brian) and grandchildren, Maggie, Keegan and Connor; Lisa Seymour (Thomas) and granddaughter, Addie Marie. Ed is also survived by his sister, Marianne Matson of Bloomington. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Edward K., Sr. and Evelyn Thode and sister, Susie (Arlene) Vujovich. Ed graduated from St. Thomas Academy in St. Paul, and proudly graduated Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Industrial Psychology in June, 1959. After one year of working in California, he returned to his beloved Minnesota, beginning 4 decades of work in Human Resources at Control Data, Ecolab, Ceridian, Computing Devices, General Dynamics, & Seagate Technologies. As a dedicated patriot and citizen-airman, Ed served a distinguished 35 year career in the MN Air National Guard, culminating in his work for the MN Adjutant General, where he retired at the rank of Colonel (O-6). He was proud of the fact that all three of his children, and two of their spouses, followed in his path of service for the United States Air Force and have deployed in support of the global war against terrorism. Ed and his wife Barbara worked together planning family activities which fostered values that are "caught, not taught." Ed felt that it was important to exemplify value choices at every opportunity. Ed loved trees and together with his family spent four decades planting and transplanting over 30,000 pines and firs on his beloved Tree Farm which is formally accredited by the American Tree Farm Association. An avid duck hunter, Ed, Barb, Gohnny (Barb's mom) and the kids formed great, lasting memories and friendships each year during duck hunting during opening weekend. Lastly, Ed had more than a double lifetime worth of fishing, boating, and of course pulling weeds at the family cabin on Big Birch Lake. He will be remembered the most for his integrity, his kindness, his selflessness, and his endless generosity to others. He will missed by all who had the honor of knowing him. A special thank you to Ed's Methodist Home Hospice nurses, Marie and Pam, for keeping Ed more than comfortable. Mass of Christian Burial 11am Tuesday, September 21, 2010, at The Church of St. Bartholomew, 630 E. Wayzata Blvd., Wayzata. Visitation 5-7 pm Monday, September 20, 2010 at David Lee Funeral Home, 1220 E Wayzata Blvd., Wayzata, and one hour prior to Mass at church on Tuesday. Interment will be at Holy Name Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Minnesota Medical Foundation: Edward Keating Thode, Sr. Scholarship Fund (for the education of medical doctors), 200 Oak St. SE, Suite 300, Mpls., MN 55455-2030 David Lee Funeral Home Wayzata 952-473-5577 www.davidleefuneralhome.com