Aileen Delores Edwards

Aileen Edwards passed away on Saturday August 15, 2020 in Monticello, MN with family by her side.

Aileen was born October 21, 1928 in Superior, Wisc. Preceded in death by her parents Elmer and Marie (Lempi Pasansen), husbands Donald Keuten and Stanton Edwards, Son Dale (Smokey) and daughter Marilyn(West) Paumen and siblings Shirley Cardinal and Elmer Jr. Aileen was preceded in death by significant others Bruce Mitchell  and Wally Brinkley.  Aileen is survived by daughters Donna (Herb) Bellach of Monticello MN, and Shirley (Jerry) Mohs of St Cloud MN, Sister in law Irene Hinrichs, Vilonia AR  , grandchildren Aileen, Donald (Jean) Bellach, Rana Thomas, Barb (Frank) Simmons, David Pattison, Ian (Desiree) Pattison, Corey (Jenni) West, Christina Steiner, and Michael (Heather) Norgren, Shannon (Keuten) and Great grandchildren Jordan, Lexi, Blake, Hunter (Little Buddy), Arianna, Genevieve, Kylie, Ari, John, Kelsey (Julian) Ledesma and Hannah Simmons., Great Great Grandchildren Blake’s (our USA Marine) daughter Anastasia and Kelsey’s daughter Autumn.  Survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Aileen graduated high school May 26, 1948 in Superior, WI.    Following the death of Don Keuten, she completed coursework and became a Licensed Practical Nurse on March 3, 1959.  Aileen loved her career as an LPN.  Has been reported one of, if not the first LPN at North Memorial Hospital Robbinsdale, MN.  Aileen married Stanton (Curly) Edwards in 1959.  After a few years in Brooklyn Center MN, Aileen’s family moved to Big Lake MN.  Where she remained for 60 years.  Nearly 30 yrs was spent LOVING/serving Guardian Angels of Elk River. She said never once did she ever not want to go to work.  “I’m picking out my bed.”  Her retirement party at Russell’s Supper Club, Big Lake approximately 25 years ago was the best.  Gifts including a steering wheel, bath towel, tickets to the car wash, corrective lens and a multitude of other gag gifts.

Aileen was a loving wife, Mother, Grandma, Great Grandma, companion, Auntie, and friend.  Her family and friends expand across USA from California to New Hampshire.  Aileen walked with God everyday of her life.  Good and faithful servant.  Lover of all things great and small.  Small being Shirley's little dog Scrappy, whom she would doggie sit, Scrappy would check out the perimeter of Aileen's yard. Making sure Aileen was safe and no critters were in her yard.   Great being David's basset hound, Little Girl, who decided to take a nap in Aileen's bed after running in the swamp. The pillows were so nice to rest her head. Not sure if she found any wood ticks.  Aileen was known for her yummy desserts including cherry (she made a cherry pie for Blake’s kidney surgeon) and banana cream pie, homemade lasagna and potato salad without and without onions, and canning of the 14 day sweet pickles. Customized “special” meals for family/grandchildren based on their favorites/preferences.  Measuring cups and measuring spoons were not necessities as she had a special touch and everything was to taste.  Yummy!!  Good luck in getting recipes right for things made from scratch like chicken chow mein.  Flowers brought her great joy with sweet peas being her favorite.  Her daughter Shirley was soaked to the skin, planting sweet peas on rainy morning. Embroidery was a passion, as was reading.   Aileen loved each and every one of her children and grandchildren. Daredevil, age 70 put on roller blades and took a spin around her driveway.  Did I mention she could dance on roller skates as a young woman?  Countless hours were spent playing Yahtzee with Donna and cribbage with Shirley.  Shirley’s husband Jerry won that last quarter by the skin of his teeth.  She would tell him she was going to kick him in the shin.  Sweet Georgia Brown was in order for a good cribbage hand.  Grandma celebrated the grandchildren’s accomplishments with so much love and care from graduation, first fish, dancing, horseback riding, birthdays, Halloween, Christmas, births, choir concerts and ball games.  Speaking of ball games, she loved, loved, loved the Minnesota Twins.  She met Tony Olivia in person.  Travel to games was made easier when Northstar Light Rail came to Big Lake.

A heartfelt debt of gratitude to the staff and residents of CentraCare of Monticello esp to friend Bob (Robert) and roommate Jolene.  So much loving care! Thanks go out to Guardian Angels Hospice.  Aileen was kept comfortable and free of pain.  Covid-19 affected so many things, CentraCare made accommodations where possible but still met CDC guidelines.  A special shout out to Amanda RN and Brooke Unit Coordinator.

Memorial Services will take place at 11AM Thursday August 27, 2020 at Saron Lutheran Church, 311 Lake Street South in Big Lake, with visitation starting at 10AM.  Interment at the Big Lake Community Cemetery.

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