Paul "Ed" Wright

Paul E. "Ed" Wright, 97, of Rochester, Minnesota, died Sunday, October 13, 2019 at Rochester West Health Services. Paul E. "Ed" Wright was born July 27, 1922, in Chatfield, Minnesota, to Paul and Harriett (Gordon) Wright. He grew up on the family farm and attended Chatfield schools. In May 1942, he entered the U.S. Army as part of the 932nd Signal Corps Battalion, serving in support of the 19th Tactical Air Command. He served throughout Europe and was part of the Battle of the Bulge campaign, as well as the invasion of Normandy on Omaha Beach. At war's end in Europe, he was part of the liberation force at Buchenwald concentration camp in Germany. Ed married Lorraine Kruger on July 26, 1941, and they settled in Rochester, raising daughter Judy and niece Deb. He spent many years as a fuel oil hauler for Skelly Oil and, in later years, drove truck for other local and area businesses. He and Lorraine spent many happy years together, enjoying trips "up north," traveling, and spending time with family. Following Lorraine's death, Ed married Lavonne Roerish in January 1992, and they too spent many happy years together. Ed loved driving the open road, and remained an active trucker until his mid-80s. He enjoyed puttering in his yard, working on his latest truck or car, going out for meals with "the boys" at Grandma's Kitchen, and reading Louis L'Amour novels. He was a life member of the VFW and other fraternal organizations, and was proud to be a Southeastern Minnesota Honor Flight participant in May 2010. Survivors include his wife, Lavonne, Rochester; daughter, Judy (Dale) Goodman, Rochester; niece, Deb (Cal) Nicklay, Osage, Iowa; grandchildren, Pam Goodman (Tom), Olympia, Washington, Bob (Lana) Goodman, Rochester, and Joel (Doreen) Goodman, Lanesboro, Minnesota; stepdaughter, Suzanne (Rick) Worrell, Lilburn, Georgia; stepson, Larry (Dianne) Roerish, Northwood, Iowa; step-grandchildren, Carrie Atkinson, Lilburn, Chris (Morella) Atkinson, Marietta, Georgia, Ryan (Leah) Atkinson, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, Eric Roerish, Minneapolis and Elissa Allbright, Mineral Point, Wisconsin; three great-grandchildren; seven step-great-grandchildren; a brother, Richard (Avis) Wright of Chatfield; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Lorraine. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 21, 2019 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes (5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN). Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Chatfield Cemetery. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes is honored to be serving the Wright family. To leave a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com