Edward Donald Schlein

Edward Donald Schlein, 76, of Monument, Colorado, passed away on July 15, 2025. Ed was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on August 12, 1948, and spent his primary school years (K-8) at St. Agnes Catholic School, graduating from Woodlawn High School in 1967.

Ed proudly served in the Air Force from 1968 to 1973. During his service, he worked for NASA at the Goddard Space Flight Center and was part of the Apollo XI program. Ed was a lifelong learner earning a BS in Business Administration & Marketing; a BS in Computer Information Systems; and a MS in Computer Information Technology: Electronic Commerce Engineering. Ed's professional career included a long tenure as a Software Engineer for Digital Equipment Corporation from 1974 to 1992, where he was able to live and work in Italy for two years. In 1992, Ed joined Ulticom as a software engineer, where he played a crucial role in developing 911 programs for telecommunication companies like Verizon, Sprint, and Broadhop. He currently holds a patent for this innovation (Patent #US 8,265,587 B2). Upon his retirement in April of 2014, Ed founded his independent company, 5th Wave Wireless. Ed worked simultaneously with Verizon, AT&T Bell Labs, and Sprint to create the current 5G cellphone technology.

Ed's passion for the Boy Scouts and love of nature drew him to the mountains of Colorado. He spent much of his time researching behind a book or with his computer. Ed was a historical genius to his family, possessing an encyclopedic knowledge of geology, knowing every type of rock and tree, evidenced by his extensive rock collection. Ed loved John Wayne, Ronald Reagan, the cowboy way of life, gardening, cooking and traveling. He was passionate about spending time with his family organizing dinners where they enjoyed games, music, target practice and true mountain men food cooked on his extensive collection of Dutch ovens. Ed and Michelle fondly recall road adventures in the VW van with a "pancake Porsche engine," which ignited their shared love for fishing, hunting, animals, and nature. Mary Ann holds dear memories of their nuptials at Bear Lake, playing card games, his sense of adventure and conversations while cooking. After a serious health decline two years ago, Garden of the Gods became a spiritual respite for Ed. Three to four times a week, often not feeling his best, he would make the drive from Monument to Garden of the Gods, praying for his loved ones.

Ed is survived by his beloved wife of almost 30 years, Mary Ann Chase (Monument, CO); son Ed Schlein and wife, Dawn (Black Forest, CO); daughter Michelle and husband, Chad Mosher (Calhan, CO); granddaughter Ashley and husband, Cade Lehl (Berthoud, CO); grandson Eddie Schlein (Black Forest, CO); grandson Wyatt Rodriguez (deployed abroad); granddaughter Peyton Rodriguez and finance, Ben Perry (Payson, AZ); grandson Bryson Mosher (Calhan, CO); great-granddaughter Mavis (Berthoud, CO); sister Sharon and nephew John Bimbiras of Baltimore, MD; step-son Aaron Chase and wife, Amber (Broomfield, CO); and step-son Matthew Chase (Phoenix, AZ). Additionally, Ed leaves behind seven step grandchildren and two great nieces. Ed is preceded in death by his mother, Sylvia (July 16, 2002) and father, Edward Schlein (June 16, 1999), both of Maryland.

A portion of Ed's ashes will be buried at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Buena Vista, CO, at the base of Mount Princeton. Upon the passing of his wife, his remaining ashes will be spread with her in the Beaver Creek drainage at Rocky Mountain National Park. A celebration of life and family gathering will take place at Garden of the Gods Trading Post, with details regarding the date and time to be announced. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to Colorado Parks & Wildlife.

Ed had an infectious spirit and was always planning the next adventure. He will be fondly remembered for his generous actions, thoughtful sentiments, and uplifting spirit.

"The grief that we have is a reflection of the love that we still have for him."