EDWARD J. BARLOW

EDWARD J. BARLOW

     Edward J. Barlow, 92, of Melrose and Wausau, WI, passed away peacefully, Thursday, April 17, 2025. He was born Nov. 15, 1932, in Marshalltown, IA, son of the late Llyod and Hazel (Bryngelson) Barlow.

     Ed was a graduate of Marshalltown High School and continued on to one year of junior college. After high school, Ed was drafted into the U.S. Army and other than basic training, his service was in headquarters Co. Seventh Division South Korea. Ed returned to the U.S. after attaining the rank of sergeant first class. 

     After his honorable discharge, Ed returned home to join his father and two brothers in the restaurant business. Ed married the love of his life, Aloha Ponterio, July 2, 1956, at The Little Brown Church in the Vale, Nasua, IA. Ed always liked agriculture and, alongside his wife, Aloha, they purchased and operated a farm in Melrose, WI. Ed, Aloha and their daughters, Debbie and Tina, lived and farmed in the Melrose area for the next 27 years. Ed retired after managing the Sturgeon Bluffs Apts., Wausau, WI, for 15 years. He served on numerous boards of directors during his lifetime: Jackson County Farm Bureau, Bank of Melrose, Melrose-Mindoro School Board and the advisory board at Wisconsin Central Tech School, La Crosse, WI. Ed and Aloha shared 64 loving years of marriage before Aloha passed away in 2020.

     Ed was very proud of his service to his country and was able to attend an honor flight with his daughter, Debbie, in September of 2015. 

     Ed is survived by his daughters, Debbie (Tom) Young and Tina (Bob) Hawk; two grandsons, Nick (Samantha) Young and Mike Young; and two brothers, Dick (the late Ann) Barlow and Jim (Betty) Barlow. He is further survived by many special nieces and nephews; he loved and enjoyed them all.

     Per Ed’s wishes, no services will be held.

     Special thanks to Unity Hospice and the staff at The Courtyard at Bellevue for their wonderful care.