Edward Joseph Blefgen passed away on Dec. 27, 2013, at the age of 89, after a four-year battle with dementia. He was born in Spokane on June 4, 1924, to Leo Patrick and Sophia Margaret (Rohner) Blefgen. He grew up in Spokane where he attended Gonzaga High School and Gonzaga University receiving a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1949. He served in the U.S. Navy as an aircraft electronics specialist during World War II. He had a 43-year career as an electrical engineer, working in the design and operation of major hydropower facilities (dams) in the Northwest. He was employed by Bonneville Power Administration in Portland, Washington Water Power (Avista) in Spokane and, finally, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Portland. He retired in 1992. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Edna (Heise) Blefgen; children, Patricia Bagley (Mark), Gary Blefgen (Sara), Greg Blefgen and Bryan Blefgen; grandchildren, Allen Bagley (Jen), Peter Bagley, Tiana Fough (Jacob) and Sierra Blefgen; and great-grandchildren, Peyton and Avery Fough. His first wife, Kay (McMahon) Blefgen, passed away in 1954. Ed and Kay had no children. He was also preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Albert and Louie Blefgen. He enjoyed golf, bridge, bowling, square dancing, water skiing, camping and private flying. He deeply loved his wife and family and was thankful for all of his friends and relatives. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at St. Therese Catholic Church, Portland. A recitation of the rosary was a half hour before the start of the Mass. A committal followed in Willamette National Cemetery. The family wishes to express special thanks to the caring staff at Expressions Memory Care, Summerplace Assisted Living.


Published in The Oregonian from Jan. 5 to Jan. 8, 2014