Dr. Edgar Petzold

There was no greater blessing in the life of Ed Petzold than being surrounded by the family he loved. Ever faithful, his love for the Lord was evident in his daily walk as he gladly shared the Gospel with most everyone. By nature he was a brilliant man whose compassion for others was clearly seen through humble eyes. Gone but never forgotten, he will be deeply missed.

The Great Depression dominated every aspect of American life in the 1930s. It took a great toll on large factories to small mom-and-pop establishments. Once a time of great opportunity, the American dream was within reach but soon turned to a time of desperation and despair. It was a struggle to overcome such devastating hardships, but the spirit of America forged on with lasting hope for brighter tomorrows. In the riverfront city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Albert and Ruth Petzold found much to be thankful for when on October 10, 1930 they welcomed the blessed birth of their son, Edgar.

Growing up along the Grand River made for adventurous times for Edgar and his siblings, Merlin and Margaret. As a family they made their home on the southeast side where Edgar attended the local schools. From an early age he acquired a love for music and loved playing music as well. In school he played the baritone before switching to the trumpet while a member of his school band. He excelled in school and came to enjoy learning, taking in all that he could. In 1948 Edgar graduated from Ottawa Hills High School with the world before him.

Ed completed his undergraduate work in Indiana at Valparaiso University and while there met the love of his life. Even though he told his mother he wasn't going to college to meet girls, especially with all his time studying, not much could hold back his affections for Judith Kipp, a young woman and fellow student he met there. Their feelings were mutual, and they went on to enjoy a three year courtship. After earning their degrees at Valparaiso, Ed and Judy were happily blessed in marriage on June 15, 1952 before returning to Michigan to further their education at Michigan State University.

After receiving his Master's Degree from MSU, Ed and Judy moved back to Indiana where he received his Doctorate from Purdue University. With his compassionate and giving heart, Ed and Judy shared a passion for their Lord and compassion for those in need. In fact, while at Purdue, he and Judy bought and resold over 300 dozen eggs a week to struggling GI students.

During these years, Ed and Judy welcomed the addition of children into their lives. For Ed, there was no greater joy than the love he had for his wife and children. Beth, Kip, Monica, Kevin and Mark filled his heart with joy and he was ever thankful for the blessing of each of them. Along with his marriage to Judy, the births of his children were counted as the greatest days of his life, especially the exciting delivery of their son, Kevin, whom Ed himself delivered at home.

After spending several years living in Iowa, Ed accepted a position with the Upjohn Company in Kalamazoo. After packing up his family and returning to Michigan, he took a position there working in biochemical research. He remained tireless and dedicated to his life's work until retiring.

To his credit, Ed was issued a patent in 1993, along with his lab partner from Purdue University for their detection of Thiazolidinedione Derivatives in the treatment of diabetes in relation to beta-Carotene. He received nine medically recognized citations for his academic achievement and over the years authored many published scientific articles.

A brilliant man indeed, Ed loved his work and felt it important for the greater good, but dear to his heart was the family he treasured and the Lord he loved. His faith was a constant witness as he used his passion for spreading the Gospel of the Lord to anyone who would listen. When he and Judy moved to Ashville, Alabama in 1999, they became charter members of the Family Assembly of God church in nearby Ragland. Together they faithfully attended and served there over the years in many capacities, but Ed's compassionate heart and burden was focused especially on the poor.

Ed was an avid runner, but his first love remained spreading God's word and love through evangelism. Running was something he enjoyed his whole life through. In fact, while working at Upjohn, Ed many times ran from work to his home which included a total of 13 miles! His other loves and interests included the enjoyment of long walks. An avid dog lover all of his life, he was especially close to his dog and companion, Happy. Ed's musical abilities also continued to be enjoyable for him. He found joy as part of the music team at church as well as playing the organ and guitar. Of course, with a mind like Ed's, he always found technology interesting. When it came to food, he mainly loved eating most anything, but he always made room for his nightly dish of ice cream with Judy.

As long as Ed was able to share his love for the Lord with others he was content. There was no greater place than with family by his side and the delight he found with the love of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His faithful and God loving spirit shone bright in Ed's life as he lived by example. Dearly loved, he will be sadly missed yet fondly remembered in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Dr. Edgar N. Petzold, at the age 80, went to be with his Lord Saturday, April 16, 2011. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Judy; children: Beth (James)Weed of Havre De Grace, Maryland; Kip (Nora) Petzold of Pontiac; Monica (Tim) McGinnis of Kingston, Ohio; Kevin (Shelly) Petzold of Delton; Mark (Crystal) Petzold of Grand Rapids; proud grandfather of 18 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; his brother, Merlin Petzold of Grand Rapids; sister, Margaret Houk of Appleton, Wisconsin.

Ed's family will receive friends Thursday, April 21, 2011, 4-7 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, 120 S. Woodhams, Plainwell, MI (685-5881). Funeral services will be held on Good Friday, April 22, 2011, 11:00 AM at Plainwell Assembly of God. Please visit Edgar’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com to leave a lasting memory or to sign his memory book online before coming to the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Family Assembly of God Building Fund in Ragland, Alabama or to Envirotool (Adaptive Equipment for Independence), 2138 Edington Drive SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508.