Michael Edwards

Michael Arthur Edwards, age 80, a resident of Danbury, WI passed away on June 19, 2023.

Michael was born on April 14, 1943 in Akron, OH to parents Joseph Jr. and Marjorie (Chanel) Edwards.

Michael proudly served in the US Navy’s Submarine service. While in the Navy, Michael crossed under the north pole ice cap several times on the nuclear submarine, USS Abraham Lincoln (SSBN-602). Additionally, he served on the Cobbler (SS-334) and the Tench (SS-417).

Michael was very involved in early days of composites and advanced materials including Lexan, Carbon Fiber, and Kevlar to name a few. He took pride in his involvement in supplying the composites that were used in the space shuttle bay doors. Michael worked for several companies and universities throughout his life including an assignment in Belgium for General Electric, ICI Fiberite, Tertm, Thermo King / Westinghouse, US Bank, and he finished his working career at Ameriprise Financial in Duluth MN. During most of this time Michael also ran and operated his own consulting company Blue Ridge International.

In addition to all that he was also a professor at St. Scholastica, University of Minnesota Duluth, Metropolitan State University and St. Thomas, where he earned his MBA.

Michael was a world traveler and was able to be a part of some very important world events including flying on the Air France Concorde, attending the Moscow Olympics, Carnival in Rio. He also traveled to Africa, Hong Kong, Tokyo, all over Europe and even Moscow during the Cold War. Michael gave his children a love for travel, exploring new places and raised them to believe anything is possible. He always encouraged an entrepreneurial spirit and ran several of his own businesses. Patrick, Stephanie and Mike are all successful entrepreneurs with the help of dad’s encouragement. Michael and his family moved all around the country and world.

Some of Michael’s passions were space exploration and the planet Mars, The Great Lakes and Apostle Islands, sailing, submarine services, Americana, swimming, diving and pole vaulter, but his most favorite thing was sitting on the back deck with his family around the fire pit enjoying the outdoors.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Constance (Paul) Edwards Woodworth and Martha (Kerry) Edwards Smith.

He is survived by his children, Kelly Edwards, Michele Massimino, Michael Edwards, Christopher Edwards and Patrick (Viry) Edwards; he has 9 grandchildren that he loved and spoiled, including having their names added to a mission to Mars; significant other, Stephanie Lemenowsky; and sister, Elizabeth (James) Edwards Knowles; along with other relatives and many friends.

Michael had previously been married to Patricia (Ludwig) Edwards and together they had 5 children.

The family would like to send a thank you to St. Croix Hospice and Amy Muminovic D.O. It truly was miraculous how they jumped into action.

Michael's wish is for his ashes to be scattered in Lake Superior in the Apostle Islands. The family will plan to do this during the summer sailing season in 2024.

Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home. Online condolences can be made at www.swedberg-taylor.com.