A life remembered
Ed's Journey
An audio and visual remembrance of Ed's life, from a boy who loved drawing cars through his work as an engineer, and the family, friendships, travel, and interests that shaped his ninety-one years.
Running time: just over 13 minutes.
Continue his story
The Edmund L. Eldredge Jr. Scholarship
Ed earned his engineering degree from the Milwaukee School of Engineering. That education helped launch a career devoted to solving practical problems and improving municipal water-control systems.
In his memory, the Eldredge family established the Edmund L. Eldredge Jr. Scholarship Fund to support future engineering students.
A gift in Ed's memory will help extend that opportunity to another generation.
Make a Gift in Ed's MemoryOn the MSOE giving page, use the search box to look up Edmund L. Eldredge Jr., then select the scholarship fund.
To give by check
Make the check payable to Milwaukee School of Engineering.
In the memo line, write Edmund L. Eldredge Jr. Scholarship Fund.
A little more about Ed
Curious, practical, and always learning
Ed began with a fascination for automobiles and industrial design. After serving in the Army, he studied engineering at MSOE and went on to work at RCA, Johnson Controls, Badger Meter, and Kamp & Associates, the firm he helped establish.
His work helped modernize municipal water-control systems in cities including Detroit, Jacksonville, and Turin. Outside of work, he designed and built, traveled and studied, and remained interested in the world throughout his life.
What mattered most was not simply what Ed accomplished. It was the steady presence, curiosity, humor, and attention he offered to the people around him.
Why Happy Tuesday?
One final wish
Ed had a habit of wishing people well. He might send someone off with “Happy running,” “Happy shopping,” or whatever fit the moment.
On the morning Ed died, his caregiver was helping him get dressed when she stepped out of the room for a moment. As she left, he smiled and said:
“Have a good day and Happy Tuesday.”
By the time she returned, he was gone.
She later told us that in more than twenty years of caring for patients, she had never had someone's final words to her be a blessing like that.
“Happy Tuesday” wasn't just a unique farewell. It was the final expression of something Ed had done throughout his life: sending another person on their way with kindness.