Edward Ignatius Reinsel

Edward Ignatius Reinsel of Fairfax, Virginia, passed away peacefully December 28, 2024. He leaves behind a rich legacy that is cherished by his family and all who knew him.
Edward was born May 25, 1931, at his parents' farmhouse in Clarion County, Pennsylvania, a place of fond memories for him throughout his life. He attended a one- room country schoolhouse through the eighth grade and completed school at Clarion- Limestone High School, where he was on the track team. He met his loving and cherished wife, Edith Marie (Bauer) at a local square dance in 1952, and they were married in 1954, sharing life together for more than 70 years.
With hard work and perseverance, Edward earned Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Pennsylvania State University and a PhD in Agricultural Economics from Michigan State University. Through ROTC, he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force in 1953 at the conclusion of his undergraduate studies. His Air Force service included two years of active duty in England and many years in the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserves, where he rose to the rank of Air Force Captain.
Soon after their Pennsylvania wedding, Edith joined Edward in England, and the newlyweds found time to travel in Europe before starting their family. Upon returning home in 1956, Edward completed his graduate studies in 1963 and then accepted employment at the US Census Bureau near Washington, DC. He continued his long career as an agricultural economist at the Economic Research Service of the US Department of Agriculture in Washington, DC, becoming a principal advisor to the ERS Administrator and serving for many years until his retirement. In 1978, he and Edith moved to their current home in Fairfax, Virginia.
Over his 93 years, Edward was a devoted husband, a loving father of eight children, and a proud Grandpa of 18 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was also a dedicated son and brother, a caring brother-in-law, an engaged uncle to dozens of nieces and nephews, and a friend to many people, near and far.
Edward is survived by his wife Edith, his brother Robert, and his children and their spouses-Ann Powell (Eliot), Donna Reinsel, Susan Farrer (Thomas), Michael Reinsel, Edward Reinsel (Wendy), Thomas Reinsel (Jane), Rita Soulen (Jonathan), and Carolynn Reinsel. He is also survived by his 18 grandchildren, all of whom gave him great joy-Abigail, Benjamin, Caleb, Charles, Daniel, Edward (Max), Eliot, Grace, Hannah, Isaac, Jonathan (Jack), Katy, Leila, Madeline, Nicholas, Noah, Sam, and Zach-and by his six great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his parents, Susanna and Robert Reinsel, and by two sisters, Mary Susanne Miller and Margaret Allison.
He and his wife Edith have been members of St. Mary of Sorrows Catholic Church in Fairfax, Virginia, since 1978. Together, they have been members of Teams of Our Lady, an international couples movement, since 1977, and they contributed to many non-profit organizations and charities. For example, they have supported Glenmary Home Missioners, which serves communities in Appalachia and the South. Edward visited Haiti and supported Operation Starfish in providing housing there, and he and Edith visited Guatemala in support of Safe Passage's childhood education mission.
Edward is remembered by his family as a teller of family tales and Dad jokes, and as a gardener, bird watcher, squirrel appreciator, Groundhog Day celebrator, cookie lover, news follower, non-fiction reader, genealogy buff, handyman, generous charitable donor, square dancer, family camping enthusiast, and Boy Scout and Camp Fire Girls supporter. He also travelled extensively, usually with Edith, visiting 48 states and 21 countries.
Edward's gentle nature, faith in God, sense of humor, storytelling talent, generosity, intrepidness, and humble manner are lovingly remembered. His life journey has come to a close, but our memories of him bring comfort to all those whose lives he touched.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Glenmary Home Missioners (PO Box 465618, Cincinnati OH 45246-5618; www.glenmary.org/donate) or another organization that assists people in need.