Neil "PAPA" Edwards

Neil G. “PAPA” Edwards, 86, of Iron Mountain, passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at Manor Care Nursing Home in Kingsford. Neil was born on Sept. 9, 1933 in Greenway Twp., Minnesota and was the son of the late William and Mary (Carpenter) Edwards. He grew up and attended school in Pengilly, Minnesota. After graduating from high school, Neil enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served four years during the Korean war until his honorable discharge as an Airman First Class in 1955. Neil married Charlotte Richards on April 15, 1968 at First Covenant Church in Iron Mountain. His working career started with Butler Brothers Mining in Nashwauk Minnesota. Neil transferred from the Butler Brothers mine to Hanna Mining Company at the Groveland Mine where he worked for thirty years. He retired from Hanna Mining Company in 1983. After his retirement, He started the Community Substance Abuse Agency and group homes in Kingsford. Neil served as director until his second retirement in 1999. Neil spent his retirement days with his grandsons, Brad and Corey Sarder and participated in all of their sports. Hockey season with the boys was his favorite. He not only was named manager of the their high school hockey team, he traveled with them to all of their games. He supported his grandsons through twelve years of hockey and also worked for the Mountain View Ice Arena where he performed maintenance and drove the Zamboni. Neil also enjoyed many years of attending and camping at the Hodag Porterfield Country Music Festival. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by three brothers, Paul, William and Richard Edwards. Also by his mother in law, Anna Mae Richards. Neil is survived by his loving wife of fifty one years, Charlotte; his daughter, Lisa (Alan Moore) Edwards-Sarder of Iron Mountain; sisters, Sharon Gangl of Nashwauk, Minnisota, Margaret Nelson of Wolcott, North Dakota, Charlotte Wilson of Twenty Nine Palms, California and Mary Jo Thesing of Gilbert, Minnesota; two grandchildren, Brad (Megan) Sarder and Corey (Laura) Sarder; three great grandchildren, Emmett, Miles and Caleb Sarder. Also by many nieces and nephews. A celebration of Neil’s life will be held at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home from 12:00pm - 3:00pm on Friday, October 18, 2019 with a luncheon to follow. Condolences to the family of Neil Edwards may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.

Neil "PAPA" Edwards

September 9, 1933 - October 9, 2019