Edward McWane

Edward McWane, age 77, passed away peacefully at his Fergus Falls, Minnesota home on August 16, 2026. Edward McWane was a guardian who protected, provided refuge, encouraged thought, served his community, and quietly helped others find their way through life's storms.

Born on July 8, 1949, in Mound Bayou, Mississippi, Edward was the eldest of six children. His earliest years were spent in the care of his mother Lillie, his grandparents Joe and Martha McWane and in the company of his aunt, uncle and several cousins. The McWane family migrated to Chicago as part of the Great Migration in 1956 seeking a better life up north.

Throughout Edward's life, he embodied steadiness, resilience, and quiet strength, carrying himself with dignity and determination through both life's joys and its challenges.

As a young man, Edward developed a love for speech, debate, and physical vitality. He enjoyed thoughtful discussion and was rarely afraid to challenge conventional thinking. Friends and family learned that he often delighted in taking the contrarian position, not necessarily because he disagreed, but because he enjoyed exploring ideas from every angle. Few were surprised when a simple conversation with Edward turned into a spirited debate. He relished the exchange of perspectives and encouraged others to think deeply and speak their minds.

Edward proudly served his country in the United States Army, calling it the world's biggest and best gang, and was honorably discharged after completing his term of service. The discipline, commitment, and sense of responsibility he developed during his military service remained with him throughout his life.

He married Rose Johnsongale (Davis), and through their union welcomed, Aundra, as his son. Together they welcomed Oarj, Victoria, and Julius. Though Edward and Rose divorced in the late 1970s, they remained close throughout the years, maintaining a friendly association and mutual respect grounded in their shared love for their children.

Edward was preceded in death by his son, Oarj, who passed away in infancy; his mother Lillie; his siblings Jackie, Cathy, and Carol; and nephew, Michael.

His legacy lives on in his children: Aundra Davis, Victoria McWane-Creek (Shawn), and Julius Alexander (Anne); his grandchildren Kamikca, Adam, Asante, Dreyson, Antonio, Kira, Tytzin, Francoe, Shanika, Odessa, Moya, Aundra Junior, and several great grandchildren. To cherish his memory, Edward leaves an aunt, Doris Smith, an uncle, Joe McWane Jr., two brothers, Nello and Danny; and nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

In 2018, Edward was diagnosed with Stage 4 kidney failure and multiple myeloma. And he met those challenges in the same way he approached life: one day at a time, with determination and grace.

If you asked Edward how he was doing, his answer was almost always the same: "Super good and getting better." He delivered those words with a smile, and for those who knew him, they were more than a catchphrase. They were a philosophy. Another philosophy that guided his life was his personal mantra: "Fear Not, Worry Not." He repeated the phrase throughout each day and often recited it as he drifted off to sleep each night. It reflected the optimism, faith, and peace that anchored his spirit.

Edward possessed a rich baritone voice and an extraordinary ear for music. His appreciation for great music and ability to recognize timeless artistry was a great influence on his children who often joke that a significant portion of their music libraries can be traced directly back to that influence. His gift for discovering and appreciating music was one of his most remarkable and underrated qualities.

Edward was also a prolific writer. For countless hours each day, he quietly devoted himself to the stories and characters that lived in his imagination. He filled thousands of pages with manuscripts, creating worlds that none were allowed to see. Whenever family members asked to read his work, he would smile and tell them, "You can read it after I'm gone." Through those pages, he leaves behind another legacy, one composed not only of memories but of words.

His children remember waking up to his unique blend of military discipline and fatherly creativity. On many mornings, he would gather them into a circle for modified Army-style calisthenics: arm circles, pushups, jumping jacks, deep knee bends, and cherry pickers. As they exercised, he sang songs, some familiar and some entirely his own, including a favorite called "Tree, Tree, Tree" alongside classics such as Michael Rowed the Boat Ashore. What might have seemed ordinary at the time became cherished memories that his family carries to this day.

In 1981, concerned by the growing gang activity that threatened to envelop his eldest son and many other young people in Chicago, Edward made another life-changing decision. He moved his family north to rural Irondale Township, Minnesota, seeking a safer environment and different opportunities for his children. It was a decision rooted in love, protection, and foresight. Just as his parents had migrated north seeking a better life for their family, Edward undertook his own migration, determined to create a more secure future for his children.

The family property in Irondale became more than a home. Over the years, it became a refuge where Edward hosted many family on the land as they looked for a quiet place to wait out or work out the storms of life.

Edward was a steady presence in the lives of those around him. He was available, and approachable to anyone who sought his company. He was not one to be rushed. Preferring to keep his pace deliberate, his manner calm, and his attention genuine.

His commitment to serving others was evident in his many years of volunteering at the Ironton Community Food Shelf, where he eventually served as board chair. Week after week, regardless of weather, Edward would begin walking six miles into town at two o'clock in the morning to ensure he arrived in time to help serve his community. Neighbors who saw him along the road frequently offered rides. Sometimes he accepted; other times he politely declined and continued on foot. The important thing was not how he arrived, but that he showed up.

In recent months, Edward enjoyed some of life's simple pleasures: sitting in the backyard, fishing, sharing dinner with his brother, taking in art exhibits, and visiting Botanical Gardens. These moments reflected the quiet contentment with which he embraced life.

After returning home from dialysis on Saturday, August 15, Edward settled into the comfort of his own home, enjoyed a snack, and lay down to rest. He peacefully passed away in his sleep.

Edward's life was one of service, creativity, perseverance, and love. He leaves behind not only family and friends, but stories, songs, lessons, sayings, and traditions. Those who knew him will remember his smile, his voice, his music, his writing, his unwavering commitment to helping others, and the reassuring words that guided his own life Fear Not. Worry Not. And, if Edward could answer one more time when asked how he was doing, perhaps he would smile and say: "Super good and getting better."

For those who feel called to reach out, with remembrances, messages, cards, and gentle offerings may be sent to McWane Family 517 Guttenberg Heights, Fergus Falls MN 56537. Your words and care are a gift during this time of transition as we begin to navigate this life transition.

A joyful celebration memorializing Edward's life is planned for Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 1:00 PM (Rolling Knolls Event Pavilion 11 N Rohrssen Rd, Elgin, IL, 60120).

Assistance provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com