Edward Gary Baxter

Edward Gary Baxter

Edward Baxter Obituary

Published by Star Tribune from Mar. 1 to Mar. 2, 2009.
Baxter, Edward Gary 74, of Pierson Lake Drive, Chaska, MN, died at his home, surrounded, by his family, Saturday morning, 28 Feb. 2009. Born in Minneapolis, MN, raised in Wilson, WI, he graduated from Glenwood City High School in 1952. He entered the United States Air Force, receiving his commission through Aviation Cadets. Ed married Madonna A. Aebly on 26 Oct., 1957. They shared over 40 years together. As a career Air Force fighter pilot of 28 years, Ed served in numerous locations in the United States, Korea and Vietnam. His final assignment brought him and his family to Duluth, MN where he proudly finished his career as the Professor of Aerospace Studies at UMD. He then taught Business and Math at the same university. After Donna's death, he moved to Chaska, MN where he enjoyed golfing, fishing, and cards with friends and family. During his life, Ed touched many lives, and they are all the better for it. Ed is preceded in death by his wife Donna, son Edward, and parents Edward & Irene. He is survived by a daughter, Shirley (Scott) Johnson of Colorado Springs, CO; and sons, Michael (Nancy) Baxter of Chanhassen, MN, Dennis (Robin) Baxter of Burnsville, MN, and James (Teri) Baxter of Manassas, VA; and twelve adoring grandchildren, Edward, Anne, Paul, Rachel, Daniel, Matthew, Edward, Kevin, Gloria, Ryan, Jacob & Tyler. Mass of Christian Burial Friday 10:30 A.M. at St. Victoria Catholic Church, 8228 Victoria Drive, Victoria. Visitation Thursday 5-8 P.M. at the church and also 1 hour prior to the Mass on Friday. Time of reflection 7:00 P.M. Thursday evening. Interment Emerald Cemetery, Emerald Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association or to the American Cancer Society. Johnson Funeral Home, Waconia 952-442-2121 www.johnsonfh.com
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.

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March 25, 2009

Sue and Tom Selbin posted to the memorial.

March 9, 2009

Don McGregor posted to the memorial.

March 8, 2009

James Prichard posted to the memorial.

Sue and Tom Selbin

March 25, 2009

Ed was a wonderful, courageous man! He always had a smile and a story for everyone and never seemed too busy to tell you another family memory. He will be missed by so many people!

Don McGregor

March 9, 2009

What an incredible person and mentor. From the first day I met Ed in 1977 to our most recent e-mails, he was a consumate professional and always provided incredible advice. I thought of him often througout my own Air Force career as I am sure many of the officers he is responsible for bringing into the Air Force. It is not often that many officers entering into service are blessed with the words of wisdom and the inspiring direction and leadership that was provided by Ed. All of us at UMD were just that lucky and for many of us like me a short reflection from Ed's words meant more to our careers than any words that were ever imparted by current leadership...he was that good...they were everlasting. I enjoyed Ed as a mentor, as a leader and as a friend...he is sorely missed.

James Prichard

March 8, 2009

I just heard the news today. I'm very sorry about the passing of Mr. Baxter. I knew him and his family when they lived during the late 1960s and in 1970 in Fairborn, Ohio, and was good friends at the time with Shirley, Mike and Denny. When they moved away shortly before my 10th birthday, nearly 40 years ago, it was one of the saddest days of my life. Even then I understood why: I knew how much I would miss that wonderful family. It all started at the top with Mr. Baxter, a firm but obviously caring dad and Mrs. Baxter, a funny and loving mom. I don't recall seeing Mr. Baxter around much but I do remember that when I did, he always had a friendly "hello" for me and a twinkle in his eye. He and the rest of his family will always have a very, very special place in my heart.

Glenn Slotness

March 6, 2009

In the lives of all of us there are certain people who touch them and make a difference. The Colonel was one of those people for me. He was a leader, Commander, mentor and friend. He was a role model. I owe my career and much of who I am to his guidance and mentoring during my cadet days at Det 420, and even before that while Mike and I were friends in high school. Unfortunately I will be unable to make the services but I have fond memories of poker games, stories that made us laugh til we cried, and a warm smile. Mine and Kari's condolences, our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Richard Vosika

March 5, 2009

I was just thinking of Ed a few weeks ago and remembering what a great Air Force Officer and gentleman he was. He taught both his staff at ROTC and his cadets lessons they will remember throughout life. My prayers are with him, his family, and their families.

Nobuko and Paul Heitmeyer

March 3, 2009

We are very sorry that Ed has passed away. He was a wonderful father and a great grandfather and very kind to all of us. We will miss him but he is now with his wife and his son Edward.

Jody Robinson

March 3, 2009

To all Baxters & family,
We are so sorry to hear that Ed has passed. He was a wonderful man. He was always so sweet to all of us through the years. I have so many great memories of him when I was growing up. He and Donna were always such a big part of the Bailey Family. Our prayers and strength go out to all of you and our thoughts will be with you as you go through this hard time. We love you all dearly,
Jody Robinson

Bonnie [Hansen] Waletzko

March 3, 2009

Cousin Ed was always 'looked up to' by me. I remember as a youngster when he became a pilot. I think that is why I always have this urge to wave at planes as they fly by!
His big smile and gentle eyes were always welcoming. May his soul rest in everlasting peace with our Father in Heaven.

Joan Halverson

March 3, 2009

I was so sad to hear of my cousin Ed passing away. When I worked in Chanhassen myself and my husband Chuck met him a few times for a chat about family relatives ( I was working on the Hansen family tree and he was so helpful) and Ed was such an interesting man to talk with and I will miss those chats. Our prayers are with all Ed's family and may God Bless you all!

Fern Penick

March 2, 2009

Denny & Robin,
Know that Grandma Mckee and I have you all in our prayers. Your parents were such wonderful people. All my love,

Carol Hansen

March 2, 2009

I was so sorry to hear my cousin Ed had passed away this week. But I believe he is now in Heaven with Aunt Irene and Uncle Ed and in my mind I can picture their happy, blessed reunion. He will be missed, especially at the Hansen family reunions.

Kenneth Hansen

March 2, 2009

Ed was everything others have mentioned and more. He was a great cousin and someone to emulate growing up. I'll miss him and the fun times we had to talk about at the family picnics.

Kris Ludwig(Aebly)

March 2, 2009

I will always remember Uncle Ed as the bionic man! I am convinced that he was the GREATEST Godfather anyone could ever have! He will always be larger than life to me!

Dorothy (Hansen) Thompson

March 2, 2009

What a wonderful man my cousin Eddie was! He was always so fun to be around, and his sharp memory would always lead to a story or two of yesteryear. He will be very missed at the Hansen Family Reunions.

Kim Walker

March 1, 2009

What a wonderfully kind and fun man. He and his lovely wife welcomed me into their home for dinner several times while I was going to college in Duluth. Years later my family enjoyed a couple family picnics at his home in Chaska. How wonderful that Ed and Donna can be together again.
Kim Walker (Arlo Hansen's daughter)

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Sign Edward Baxter's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

March 25, 2009

Sue and Tom Selbin posted to the memorial.

March 9, 2009

Don McGregor posted to the memorial.

March 8, 2009

James Prichard posted to the memorial.