Edwin Boelte

1939 - 2026

Edwin Reddemann "Ed" Boelte of Browns Summit, NC passed away on January 1, 2026, at the age of 86. Born in Halifax County, Virginia, on July 20, 1939, Ed was the son of the late August Ernest Boelte and Rosa Frances Anderson Boelte. He lived a life rooted in service-to his family, his community, and his country. Ed was a proud United States Army veteran who served during the Vietnam War. His dedication to public service continued long after his military career. He retired as Deputy Director of the North Carolina Justice Academy, serving both the Salemburg and Edneyville campuses, where he was known as a steady leader, mentor, and tireless advocate for professional law enforcement training across the state.

A longtime member of Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Greensboro, NC, Ed lived his faith quietly and faithfully. Above all else, Ed was a family man. He was happiest with a fishing rod in hand, passing on his love of the outdoors, or giving legendary wagon rides to his four granddaughters-rides that were equal parts adventure and joy. He also possessed a unique musical talent as a master kazoo player, a skill that brought laughter wherever he went and perfectly captured his playful spirit.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Sue Rollins Rudd Boelte.

Ed is survived by his wife, Patricia Boelte; his children, Edwin R. Boelte II of Browns Summit, NC; Mary Boelte of Browns Summit, NC; and Peter R. Boelte (Amanda) of Wilmington, NC; four cherished granddaughters, Anna, Christina, Julia, and Emma Valerian; and his brother, David Boelte (Linda) of Vernon Hill, VA. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 601 Tremont Dr., Greensboro, NC with Pastor John Scheuermann officiating and retired Pastor Dan Koenig offering remembrances. Burial with military honors will follow at Pleasant Grove Christian Church, 2154 Pleasant Grove Road, Halifax, Virginia.

The family will receive friends at the farm on Thursday, January 7, 2026, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Anyone needing the address should contact a member of the family.

For memorials, the family suggests donations to a charity of your choice, in Ed's honor.

His legacy lives on in the lives he shaped, the family he loved, and the laughter he left behind.

Arrangements are entrusted to Powell Funeral Home, INC, 1603 Wilborn Ave, South Boston, VA.