Walter Henry Edling's Obituary
Walter Henry Edling, age 83, of Oberlin, passed away on Thursday, March 25, 2021.
He was born on March 20, 1938 in Chicago, IL. He was a 1955 graduate of Oberlin High School. After graduation, he attended General Motors Institute, currently Kettering University, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He then went on to earn his Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Case Western Reserve and then finally, his PhD in Civil Engineering from Colorado State University. Walter worked in education and was the Dean of Instruction for Lorain County Community College from 1962 until 1990. In 1972, he was awarded Young Engineer of the Year from the Ohio Society of Professional Engineers. After his 28 years at LCCC, went on to be the Vice President of Educational Research for the Center for Occupational Research and Development from 1990 until finally retiring in 2001.
Walter was a proud member of many clubs and organizations. He belonged to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Ohio Society of Professional Engineers, and he was a charter member of the National Coalition of Advanced Technology Center.
One of Walter’s passions was flying and was an instrument-rated private pilot. He even built a full-sized airplane. He was a member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics as well as the Experimental Aircraft Association. For fun, he enjoyed flying model radio controlled planes.
Among all of Walter’s clubs and organizations he belonged to, he was Vice President of the Oberlin School Endowment Board, President of the Oberlin Heritage Center, and President of Vineway, LLC, a non-profit commercial property business.
In Walter’s free time, he also enjoyed playing the piano, woodcrafting, working on machine and tool projects, and volunteering.
He is survived by his daughter, Judith Ann Edling-Owens and her husband, Kevin Owens, of Springfield, PA, son, Jeffrey Michael Edling, of Oberlin, and his grandchildren, Elizabeth and Timothy Owens. He will always be dearly remembered as “Grandpa Waldo” to Elizabeth and Timothy. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Marjorie Jean Edling (nee Petherbridge), on January 13, 2021, a brother, Elmer Edling, and his parents; Henry and Emma (nee Pretzlaf) Edling.
The family will hold private services. The Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst is assisting the family with arrangements. To send an online condolence, please go to www.dovinreberjones.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Walter?
What’s a lesson you learned from Walter?
Share a story where Walter's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Walter you’ll never forget.
How did Walter make you smile?