Ed was born on April 24, 1943 to Harvey E Barthel and Ruth U Barthel nee Schneider at St Mary's hospital in Milwaukee, WI. Ed was a devout Christian, starting each day with the Lord. His oft quoted Bible verse was Psalm 118:24 "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it". This was his mother's favorite verse which she taught him as a child, and she prayed it every morning. Ed was an inquisitive and adventurous child cherishing time spent building with his father and exploring the world. He loved sharing memories of his youth with his children and grandchildren. He cared deeply for others always looking for ways to help. With an ear to listen, he always looked for ways in which he could help others in need. Ed is survived by his wife Susan Barthel nee Blunk. College sweethearts from their time spent at Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN. Ed and Susan went on many adventures in their lives. From visiting his sister Helen in the mission field in Antigua to road trips across the US they always enjoyed their time seeing new places and experiencing new things. Ed and Susan were blessed with three children Andy, Timmy, and Julie. His fun-loving nature and great Christian values played an immeasurable role in their nurture and growth. Ed was blessed with 7 grandchildren; Jared and Jacob (sons of Andy and Cathy), Paul and Addie (children of Tim and Teresa), & Ava, Sofie, and Khloe (daughters of Julie and Clif). Ed loved his grandchildren greatly. He spent time with them teaching them all sorts of exciting things and looking for ways to take them on adventures like he enjoyed in his youth. Ed spent the first half of his career educating youth in the Lutheran schools and leading schools as Principal. His joys were seeing the children grow in their knowledge. He brought humor into the classroom to engage them and share the love of Jesus with them. He spent many years coaching a multitude of youth sports. In the second half of his career, he moved on to a life of working in plastics. Working in the rewind department at Curwood a division of Bemis Company in New London, WI. Ed was an industrious worker taking pride in everything he did. Whenever you were grocery shopping with him, he would be sure to point out all of the flexible packing he played a part in creating. In addition to his wife, children, and grandchildren Ed is survived by his brother Grant (sister-in-law Janet Barthel nee Wels) and sister Helen (brother-in-law Darrell). As the eldest child, Ed took his responsibility of role model for his siblings as a gift from the Lord. He loved them both deeply. He was always there to share the Heart of Christ to support them in their times of need. He is also survived by his god daughters Christine Williams nee Strehlow (husband Todd) and Christie Buschkopf nee Barthel (husband Josh and children Nathanael and Anna). Ed is now celebrating with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in Heaven. While we mourn his loss from us here on Earth, we know that he has finished his race. We can take comfort in knowing that as he lived, he died; a servant of Christ. We praise the Lord for the gift that Ed was to everyone he came in contact with. In lieu of flowers the family requests that you send memorial donations to either Racine Lutheran High School, 251 Luedtke Ave, Racine, WI 53405 http://www.racinelutheran.org/ or St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 200 Park St, Belgium, WI 53004 https://www.facebook.com/St-Mark-Lutheran-Church-232175624342979/ A Funeral Service for Ed will be held at 1:00PM on Friday, February 12, 2021 at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 200 Park St., Belgium, WI 53004. The family will receive visitors at the church from 11:00am until the time of service. Ed will be laid to rest following the service.