Edward Spilman

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Edward G. Spilman, 88, of Brainerd, passed away on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at the Lakewood Care Center in Staples, MN.

Celebration of life services will be held Thursday, June 6^th at Brenny Family Funeral Chapel in Baxter, MN. Family and friends are invited to gather beginning at 10 am with service at 11 am followed by a luncheon. Interment will be at Poplar Cemetery, Leader, MN, at 2 pm. Military honors will be provided by Brainerd American Legion, Post #255.

Edward was born November 5, 1935, in Hinckley, MN to Benjamin and Mabel (Noyes) Spilman and grew up in Leader, MN. He was inducted into the U.S. Army on November 16, 1955. After basic training, Edward attended signal school and the remainder of his active duty time was spent in Germany. When he returned home from Germany, Edward spent 4 years in the Army Reserves and was then honorably discharged October 31, 1961.

Before leaving for his military service, Edward married the love of his life, Betty Mae Durham, on October 29, 1955 in Motley, MN. When Edward returned home from Germany, he and Betty settled in Brainerd where he worked 38 years for Potlatch Paper Company before retiring in 1995. During their 39 years of marriage, Edward and Betty raised five children, traveled and spent many hours gardening.

After Betty’s death in 1994, Edward married Mary Andrews on September 5, 1998. During their 25 years together, Edward and Mary traveled extensively and loved spending time with family.

Edward’s work ethic made it hard for him to sit still for long and throughout his life he served in many capacities throughout the Brainerd Lakes community. Edward served on several committees at Mid-Minnesota Federal Credit Union for over 25 years, served as President of the Pelican Lake Conservation Club, Commander of the Brainerd American Legion Post #255, and Grand Master for the State of Minnesota Order of the Odd Fellows.

In his “spare” time, Edward loved to hunt, fish, garden, plant trees (1000’s in his lifetime), cut wood and travel.

Above all else, his family meant the world to him. He will be dearly missed by his children, Bruce (Cynthia) Spilman, Lanette (Michael) Faul, Mark Spilman and Neal (Lucinda) Spilman. His grandchildren Erin (Michael) Kamrowski, Abigail Spilman, Dain (Allison) Spilman, Eva (Matt) Johnson, Allina (Nate) Johnson, Alex Spilman, Dexter (Andrea) Spilman, Timothy Faul, Nathaniel (Cara) Spilman and Lindsy (Brandon) Fuller and 22 great-grandchildren. Edward will also be missed by step-sons Brian (Brooke) Andrews, Sr. and Mark (Michelle) Andrews, along with their children and grandchildren. Edward is also survived by his brothers Vernon, Douglas, Richard and Walter and sisters Irene, Mary and Elaine.

Edward is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Betty, second wife Mary, son Joel, brothers Ernest, Wayne, LeRoy, Marvin and Donald, and sisters Josephine and Edna.

A special thank you to Lakewood Care Center staff for all of the love, care and comfort provided to our father.