Edgar Jay English

Edgar "Ed" English, 86, passed away peacefully at his home in Mason City, Iowa on December 1, 2025.

It has always been a toss-up regarding which state Ed considered his home. Beginning life in South Dakota, he was born to Katie and Don English on a farm not far from De Smet where he lived with his two older sisters, Meredith and Elizabeth. After losing his father at an early age, the family moved to Minnesota were he attended school in Sleepy Eye, Worthington, and graduated from Jeffers in 1957.

After marrying Judith Saxton in 1965, they initially moved to De Smet, South Dakota before moving to Westbrook, Minnesota. Throughout this time, Ed did what he loved best by driving truck. When the opportunity came along to move to Algona, Iowa and start his own livestock trucking business, they found a place to call home for many years and raise their three children. This time allowed Ed to build many lasting personal and professional friendships.

To all who knew Ed, his laughter was infectious and his smile could light up a room. He loved to talk about trucks and would happily describe his adventures in great detail as he pulled out a map and drew you into his stories. From the ranches of Montana, across the plains, and onward to the next destination, he loved life on the road and the adventures that came with it.

Despite Judy and Ed finding their separate paths later in life, the family remained close. He left knowing how loved he was by his sister, Liz, his children Bill (Virginia), Ann (Mike), and Jenn (Matt) and his grandchildren, Kayla and Jack. Joining them are many nieces, nephews, and friends both new and old.

To honor Ed's life, his children invite you to join them in a gathering to celebrate his life later this spring (date to be determined) when we can further debate which state Ed really should call home.

Memorial donations may be directed in his name to the American Lung Association through their online campaign site at lung.org.