Obituary of Edward McParlan

Ed was born September 24th, 1934 in Duluth, MN and passed away unexpectedly on April 2nd, 2022 at St. John’s Hospital Maplewood, MN with his daughter by his side. Preceded in death by his parents Edward and Hazel McParlan, son Patrick McParlan, and companion Nina Kostraba. Survived by daughter Beth (Scott) Lennartson, grandchildren Abby and Seth, former wife Nancy McParlan, brother Jerry McParlan, nephew Michael (Mary) McParlan, nieces Julie McParlan Hein, Karen Brooks, and many relatives and friends.

Ed grew up in Duluth, MN and graduated from Denfeld High School in 1953. He then attended the University of Minnesota Duluth and was employed by Bethany Children’s Home. He received his master’s degree in social work at the University of Minnesota Minneapolis in 1959. Ed spent his career as a therapist for The Human Development Center in Duluth.

 His hobby was breeding and showing dogs, mainly West Highland White Terriers. He was a judge at many shows and raised a world champion. Ed was adventurous and loved to travel. He and Nina took cruises and many lovely trips around the world. In his older years, Ed became a snowbird. He flew to Mexico to escape the bitter cold and embrace the sun. He loved it.

He was a wonderful cook. He gave many dinner parties with close friends and family. If invited, you’d be sure to attend. He loved gardening and always had the biggest pots of flowers to be found. Fuchsia’s, pinks, and bright orange always decorated his beautiful yard. Ed was a wonderful Father and Grandpa who was kind, caring, and generous. His great smile and sense of humor will always be with us. A memorial will be scheduled for a later date.