D. Edward Waldvogel III

D. Edward Waldvogel III (Ed), age 68, peacefully passed away on April 2, 2025. Born on December 9, 1956, to D. Edward and Nancy Waldvogel, Ed was known for his signature red hair, his ability to befriend others, and his boundless energy. He had a gift for making people feel welcome, and his fun-loving, inclusive spirit made a lasting impression on all who knew him. Whether meeting a new friend, trying something new, or working on a project, Ed never shied away from an opportunity to interact and connect with others. We only wish we had a final count of the endless pictures he would get in with perfect strangers.
Ed served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1976, spending time in Australia where he loved sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. He graduated from Dixie College in St. George, Utah, in 1979, earning a degree in marketing. While he claimed to have majored in marketing, his title of Mr. Dixie leads us to believe he most likely majored in "Friends, Fun, and Fabulous Hair".
An accomplished athlete, Ed had a passion for baseball and football. His competitive spirit was matched only by his love for adventure, especially when it involved two wheels or one ski at Lake Powell. He met the love of his life, Peggy Rinaldi, and they were married on November 15, 1980, in the California, Los Angeles Temple. Together, they raised four children: Eddie, Stephanie, Christopher, and Lindsey. The first two decades of their marriage were spent in Reseda, California, before moving to Southern Utah, where they enjoyed the beauty of the red rocks and the warmth of the St. George sun while continuing to raise their family.
Ed was a master electrician and spent most of his career as his own boss, working on countless projects that illuminated homes, businesses, and lives. There was no electrical challenge too big or small for him. He loved working with his hands, building things, especially things that would store his latest Home Depot purchase, and occasionally "fixing" things by simply walking to the garbage can. His proudest professional accomplishment was his work on the Hardrock Hotel in Bristol, VA, where his attention to detail and dedication played a significant role in the success of the project.
While we know Peggy was his first true love, a close second was the love Ed had for Harley Davidson motorcycles. He was known to bring home a few, including one that made its way into the living room. In true Ed fashion, right after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, he couldn't resist stopping at the dealership on his way home from his doctor's appointment to bring home one final, gorgeous Harley. With a grin from ear to ear, he rode it proudly, enjoying many Sunday rides until he no longer could. When he couldn't ride, he would often be found revving the engine in his garage for anyone who would listen.
Ed is survived by his devoted wife, Peggy, his children Eddie (Madison) Waldvogel, Stephanie Vaughn (Chris), Christopher Waldvogel, and Lindsey Waldvogel (Spencer), and his five beloved grandchildren: Dylan, Claire, Davis, Cal, and Miles. He is also survived by his sister, Stacey Neilson (Kai). Ed was preceded in death by his loving parents, D. Edward and Nancy Waldvogel.
We are deeply grateful for the time and the memories we have been able to share, the love that we've felt, the love that we feel and this good man that we know. Ed, we love you, we miss you, we will see you again, "okay bye"!
A viewing will be held at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St George Blvd, St. George, Utah, on Sunday, April 6 from 5:00pm-6:00pm.
Graveside services will be held on Monday, April 7, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at the Santa Clara City Cemetery, 1950 Ancestor Way, Santa Clara, Utah.