Edwin Peter Dech, age 87 of Dayton, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, October 14, 2020, at Hospice of Dayton. He was born to the late Joseph and Marie Dech of St. Paul, Minnesota. He is also preceded in death by his siblings, Anne, Joseph and Gilbert Dech. Edwin is survived by his wife of 59 years, Kunie Dech, two daughters, Jeanne (Douglas) Puthoff and Carol Dech, and two grandchildren, Nicole and Samantha Puthoff. He is also survived by numerous family and friends. Graveside Service will be held privately at Dayton National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton. To share a memory of Edwin or leave a special message for his family, please click the “Share Memories” button.

To sum it up in one sentence, Ed was a wonderful caring Husband, Dad, and Grandpa! Here are a few more glimpses of the man he was in his lifetime. The essence of Ed portrayed a hint of witty humor and slight sarcasm especially when discussing politics. He loved the outdoors and especially deer hunting with his bow and arrow. He never actually caught a deer, but I think it was just the joy of being outside that made him happiest. As a teen, he loved riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle! I think he relished the wind in his hair and the sense of adventure and freedom it brought him. He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a major in East Asian Area Studies. He learned to speak fluent Japanese which probably helped when he met Kunie, the love of his life, who he celebrated 59 years of marriage with in September.

He enjoyed taking pictures, dabbling in photography for a while and made hundreds of slide shows of the family. He enjoyed a passion of learning about history. He loved exploring National monuments like Gettysburg and the Dayton Air Force Museum! He also used to build model airplanes and introduced me to this hobby which we did together. He volunteered to serve honorably in 2 branches of the military, the Air Force and the Army, during the Korean War. He loved wearing his camouflage jackets and especially his Korean War cap. He enjoyed watching Mary Tyler Moore, Bob Newhart, Carol Burnett, and Mash on family nights. He loved playing with his grandchildren Nikki and Sammi and showering them with love and attention! He loved cutting the lawn and working in the yard.

Above all else, he devoted his heart to God, family and his country in the humble spirit of Christ! Although not a wealthy man in finances, his heart was generous to all who were lucky enough to know him. He was wealthy in spirit due to a life well lived for 87 years, and the world was a better place because he was in it!



I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, even if he dies, shall live.
John 11:25




On Eagle's Wings

You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord
Who abide in His shadow for life
Say to the Lord, "My Refuge,
My Rock in whom I trust!"

And He will raise you up on eagle's wings
Bear you on the breath of dawn
Make you to shine like the sun
And hold you in the palm of His hand

The snare of the fowler will never capture you
And famine will bring you no fear
Under His wings your refuge,
His faithfulness your shield

And He will raise you up on eagle's wings
Bear you on the breath of dawn
Make you to shine like the sun
And hold you in the palm of His hand

You need not fear the terror of the night
Nor the arrow that flies by day
Though thousands fall about you,
Near you it shall not come

And He will raise you up on eagle's wings
Bear you on the breath of dawn
Make you to shine like the sun
And hold you in the palm of His hand

For to His angels He's given a command
To guard you in all of your ways
Upon their hands they will bear you up
Lest you dash your foot against a stone

And He will raise you up on eagle's wings
Bear you on the breath of dawn
Make you to shine like the sun
And hold you in the palm of His hand
And hold you, hold you in the palm of His hand







Safely Home

I am home in Heaven, dear ones;
Oh, so happy and so bright!
There is perfect joy and beauty
In this everlasting light.
All the pain and grief is over,
Every restless tossing passed;
I am now at peace forever,
Safely home in Heaven at last.
And He came Himself to meet me
In that way so hard to tread;
And with Jesus' arm to lean on,
Could I have one doubt or dread?
Then you must not grieve so sorely,
For I love you dearly still;
Try to look beyond earth's shadows,
Pray to trust our Father's will.
There is work still waiting for you,
So you must not idly stand;
Do it now, while life remains,
You shall rest in Jesus' land.
When the work is all completed,
He will gently call you home;
Oh, the rapture of that meeting,
Oh, the joy to see you come!