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Ed Rosencrants, of Rochester MN, passed away on July 9 at age 95, surrounded by his loving family.
Ed was born in Minneapolis, MN, to Nellie and Edward A. Rosencrants. When his family moved to South St. Paul he met the love of his life, Gloria Leimbek. They were married on June 20, 1953 and have been each other’s best friend ever since.
Ed attended the University of Minnesota where he received a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, a Masters degree in Electrical and Petroleum Engineering and a Masters in Technical Writing. Ed was recruited by General Mills to work in their Mechanical Division on US defense projects. He worked on a team to improve sonar reception for submarines and a team that developed a long lasting battery-operated flashlight for rescue missions of downed pilots. When the US entered the space race, Ed was in charge of a team to develop a material for the nose cone of a space object that could withstand re-entry temperatures of greater than 5000 degrees. Werner Von Braun, chief scientist at the Redstone Missile base in Alabama, chose Ed’s team from General Mills for the shape and material to use on his rockets. It was so successful that it was used to develop the heat-shield for the US re-entry space vehicles.
In 1960 Ed moved his family to Rochester, MN and joined the IBM Mechanical Group. He worked on several mechanical and programming projects developing IBM’s System 360 and Model 91. Ed’s last 10 years at IBM were spent managing the publication group that developed the service manuals for the super computers.
Ed retired from IBM in 1987, so he could spend more time with Gloria and choose projects where he could give back to the community. He taught robotics and math at RCTC, joined a computer consulting group to help small businesses, volunteered to do taxes for low income people, and sat as president and news editor for the IBM Retirees Club. Ed also held many positions on the Mount Olive Lutheran Church Council where he was a member for over 60 years.
Ed loved his family and shared a 72-year marriage with Gloria. He was very involved in the activities of his three daughters, and when grandkids came into the picture, he shared his love of fun and family hospitality by always hosting pool parties and barbecues. Ed liked bowling, golf, wood carving, and painting. He developed a passion for the Norwegian art of Rosemaling, giving many of his pieces away.
Ed is survived by his wife Gloria; daughters Robin (Tom) Kleinert, Gail Cook, and Diana (Keith) Kressin. Five grandchildren: Justin (Heather) Cook, Chris Cook, Teddy Cook, Annie (Mike) Oldenburg, Jeff (Bryanne) Kleinert; and two great grand children: Henry and Malcolm Oldenburg.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00AM on Thursday, July 24 at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 2830 18th Ave NW, Rochester, MN 55901, with visitation at 10:00AM.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Rochester, MN, or the Disabled American Veterans.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Rosencrants family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.