Obituary of Edwin John Etzel

Edwin John Etzel, beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away on April 18th, 2023, at the age of 75, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 6th, 1948, to Julius R and Regina A (Schnack) Etzel, who preceded him in death.

Ed is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Janet M (Sears) Etzel, and his brother Roger J Etzel. He was a loving father to his three children: Jeana C (Fowler) Bickling, Christopher J Etzel (wife Allison), and Jacob T Etzel (wife Antonia). He was a proud grandfather to: Amanda (Bickling) Gallentine (husband Pete), Joshua Wescott (wife Amanda), Amanda (Wescott) Woodland (husband David), Sydney Bickling, Olivia Boit, Emma Boit, Cash Etzel, and Ava Etzel. In addition, he was a great-grandfather to: Peyton, Allison, Hudson, Daxton, and Madelyn. He was a caring brother-in-law to Mike and Robin (Sears) Baden and uncle to David, Angie, Sarah, and Mike.

Ed was a lifelong congregant of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, where he found great joy in his faith and community as a choir member. Growing up in the Molalla and Canby areas, Ed retained a loyal group of school and childhood friends from The Eby School and Molalla High School. After honing his craft as a Cook in the Army National Guard, he cherished his role as the family cook. For 25 years, Ed co-owned a commercial floor covering installation business (ELC Floors) with his partners Louis Imholt and Chuck Packard, where he mentored many employees and made many friends. Ed was passionate about music, cars, and drag racing. Throughout the 90s and 00s, he partnered with longtime friend Dwight Nofziger to DJ events with their favorite golden oldies music. Ed was very fond of watching and participating in the hot-rodding activities at the Woodburn Dragstrip.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the American Lung Association in honor of Edwin's memory.

A public viewing at Canby Funeral Chapel will be available from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on April 27th. Edwin's funeral mass will be held at 11:00 AM on April 28th, 2023, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Canby, OR, followed by a reception at the church hall. A commitment ceremony for friends and family will be held at 2:30 PM at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Canby, OR.