Edward Allan Kirkelie (Ed, Eddie) passed away peacefully surrounded by family on January 20, 2026.

He was born on June 30, 1940, in Harlem, MT to Kenneth (Allan) and Georgiana (Peggy) Kirkelie.  He grew up and attended primary and high school in Bowbells, ND.  He shared many fond memories from his time there, such as when his mom would take him and his friends to the nearby wilderness area to explore and camp.  He also often talked about working on nearby farms which connected to his late life interest in collecting old farm tools and equipment.  His grandfather Johnny Owens lived with his family in Bowbells and made a significant impact on Ed's life.  He kept a picture of his grandfather near him and talked about him a lot during the last year of his life.

He served in the United States Air Force as a crew chief on a B-52 bomber crew.  He later worked as a mechanic at Boeing in Seattle.  During that time, he lived on Capital Hill in Seattle and was part of a group that called themselves the Dakota Boys.  Many good memories were made with his cousins and friends during those years.

While living in Seattle, he traveled to visit family in the Portland area, and it was there he met his future wife Linda Lee Littler.  They were married for 59 years and remarkably passed away together on the same day after a year of health challenges for both.

Ed graduated from the University of North Dakota with a master's degree in industrial engineering.  He went on to have a successful career in the heavy equipment industry, selling Case IH and Caterpillar equipment for over 25 years.  Later in life he went into business with his son, Ken, in Ridgefield, WA, something he would later say was the best job he ever had because of the time he got to spend with his son.

He was a devoted father to two children and very loving "Papa" to six grandchildren.  A favorite experience for the family was when he would dress up as Santa (aka Stana) for Christmas.  He loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Ed had so many high-quality friendships throughout his life and would make friends wherever he went.  There are too many to name but notably included the Lucy, Monson, Clark, Haugen, Zupetz and Yetter families.  Some of those friends were part of countless hunting and fishing trips that Ed enjoyed throughout his life.  He loved collecting and shooting Remington rifles.  His hunts included many deer, elk, birds, a black bear and a moose later named "Bullwinkle".  Bullwinkle was in his room during the last month of his life and was a source of comfort, reminding him of those special hunting trips with his family and friends.

He and Linda raised their family in Minot, ND and later spent years living in Ridgefield, WA and then traveling between the two with stops in Montana to spend time with his daughter and family.  Their home in Meadowbrook and property in the Turtle Mountains of ND was always "home" to Ed.

Ed and Linda enjoyed many trips together, oversea trips in their early years together, camping and fishing trips with family, and road trips to and from WA, MT and ND later in life.  He loved music and impressed later generations with stories of seeing Elvis and Roy Orbison in concert.  He and Linda were active members of the Curling Club, Scout leaders and spent many years playing softball in the Minot leagues.  They enjoyed gathering with friends and family, particularly during holidays with Ed's sisters and brother and their families.

During the last years of his life, Ed greatly appreciated the friendships and assistance he received from his friends in and around Minot, notably Peter Sandroni and family, the Oplunds, the Monson's, Ardel, Bruce and Tina and his many friends from his favorite thrift store.  He had a very special relationship with his daughter-in-law Kitty who was his primary caregiver during the last eight months of life and previously after his heart surgery.  He loved going for drives in the country throughout his life and particularly during his later years.

Ed is survived by his children Ken (Kitty) Kirkelie, Kari (John) Mausshardt, six grandchildren Bailey (Carson), Alex (Emma), Kaylee, Ted, Jack & Kendal.  He is also survived by his brother John Kirkelie and sister Nancy (Phil) Berg as well as many nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents and sister Viola.

A celebration of life for Ed and Linda will be held in Vancouver, WA on Sunday February 1st at Linda's close friend Lindsay's bar and grill, Jake's from 11-2.  Services will be held in the Minot/Bottineau area for them both Memorial Day weekend.  Details to follow.