Edward “Ed” Allen Stringer

December 14, 1946 ~ September 26, 2021

Edward “Ed” A. Stringer, 74, Sioux Falls, died Sunday, September 26, 2021, at the Sanford USD Medical Center after a courageous battle with cancer.

Memorial Services will be held 7pm, Friday, October 1, 2021, at Heartland Funeral Home, with visitation beginning at 5pm. A private inurnment will take place at the SD State Veteran’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a Memorial has been established in his honor.

Edward “Ed” Allen Stringer was born December 14, 1946, in Sioux Falls, to Alfred and Hazel (Townsend) Stringer. He was raised and attended school here and graduated from high school before joining the Navy.

Ed’s 21-year Navy career brought him to many countries, including service during the Vietnam conflict.  His many awards included National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Battle and Ribbon with Device, Navy Expeditionary Medal, four (4) Good Conduct Medals, Sea Service Deployment Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and the Navy Unit Commendation.

His most cherished gift was awarded while he was stationed in Chicago in the form of his daughter, Adrian.

October 8, 1988, Ed married his love, Laurel, in Hartford, where they made their home.  On that day, Ed also welcomed his bonus children, Robert, Christine, and Terry.

Following his military career, Ed was a long-distance semi-truck driver.  He earned one million miles ticket-free and accident-free.

Retirement from the road did not slow our Ed down one bit! His passion for Veterans causes lit a fire in him to serve with the American Legion as a member, Post Commander (Post 15), and District Commander (District 7).  He actively served on the board and as a counselor for Boy’s State.  Ed was also State Membership Chairman and had earned five (5) Gold Brigade jackets for the recruitment of new Legion members.  He was reported to have even recruited a new member directly in front of the National American Legion Headquarters in Indianapolis, IN.  Anyone who has known Ed has surely heard his bellowing invitation… “Are you a member of the American Legion? No? Talk to me and let’s fix that!”

The jewel in Ed’s crown (and we know he’d love hearing the ‘crown’ part) was as a founding member and driving force behind the new American Legion Post 911.

Some of Ed’s favorite pastimes were hunting with ‘his boys and fishing near Chamberlain, SD from his pontoon boat. 

He was the un-official Grandpa of all the players and family members of the Fusion Heat softball team and could be seen and heard cheering from the stands at most of their games.

Hartford, SD, was the only long-time permanent home for Ed. He was a neighborhood fixture helping and bringing laughter to all that were lucky enough to cross his path both in this, his adopted hometown, and all the places he travelled.

Ed is survived by his loving wife, Laurel; his bonus children, Rob (Gail) Dickerson, Christine (Jeff) DeYoung, and Terry (Michelle) Dickerson; Ed also leaves seven adored grandchildren and five great-grandchildren who always made him smile.  He’d say… ‘’that’s why they are called grand, and great!”

Preceding Ed were his grandparents, parents, two brothers, one sister, and his beloved daughter, Adrian.

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Comments
  • Wendy Henley says:

    I can hear the laughter from Heaven and his jokes. Ed, we will surely miss you. One question how many members have you signed up in 3 days? We will all watch over Laural down here while you are her guardian angel from above.

  • Jim & Alice Upshaw says:

    Prayers for the family.

  • Laurel, thoughts and prayers in the loss of your husband.

  • Roger A Klos says:

    Rest in Peace my friend till we meet again. You are missed.

  • Jerry Kerkhove says:

    I knew Ed for several years having met him at American Legion events. He was a great friend to our fellow veterans. RIP friend.

  • Steve Slavik says:

    God Speed Ed. My socks are still wet from your pontoon boat rides to the fishing grounds.

  • Jim Otto (STG2 on the John Young) says:

    I was scanning the internet and was sorry to see that Ed passed away. We served together on the USS John Young DD973. I’ll alway remember that Division Party where most of us crammed into Ed;’s Van and took off for Disneyland most expenses paid by the ship. What a time! I remember I originally didn’t want to go but it turned out to be a really great time which had a lot to do with Ed. He knew how to have a good time.

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