On May 28, 2023, Edward Velhagen passed away at the age of 84, with his beloved family by his side.

Born to Frieda (Frandsen) Velhagen and Ewald Velhagen on May 18, 1939 in Alamosa, Colorado, Eddie enjoyed a playful childhood with his dear sister, Karen Kay. He graduated high school from Wentworth Military Academy in MO, served 7 years in the Army National Guard, and studied at The University of Colorado @ Boulder, where he met his college sweetheart, Ellen (Peggy) Ewing. They married in 1962 and moved to NM. Eddie worked for many years as an insurance underwriter in Albuquerque, where he and Ellen raised their sons, Eric and Doug.

A creative, energetic and relentlessly positive person, Eddie had many passions. He played the trumpet, guitar and dulcimer, and played for decades in a weekly folk music group, The Wednesday Nite Pickin', Grinnin', Drinkin' and Lyin' Society. Eddie was a master wood craftsman who created hammer dulcimers and finely-detailed wooden trains, based on the steam locomotives he had loved since childhood. He loved sailing, tinkering with watches and clocks, and was an avid bicyclist who rode over 100,000 miles (four times around the globe!) in his lifetime.

Eddie was adored by his family and friends, and derived great joy from spending time with them and cheering them along their life paths. He is survived by and will be dearly missed by his family: wife, Ellen Velhagen of Albuquerque, NM; son, Eric Velhagen and daughter-in-law, Deanna Velhagen of Mt. Vernon, IL; son, Doug Velhagen and daughter-in-law, Valerie Velhagen of Albuquerque, NM; grandson, Jaren Velhagen of St. Charles, MO; granddaughter, Juliet Velhagen of Albuquerque, NM; sister, Karen Kay Boxberger and brother-in-law, Gerald Boxberger of Carson, NM.

Eddie will be laid to rest on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Fairview Memorial Park: 700 Yale Blvd. SE in Albuquerque. All are welcome. There will also be a celebration of life later this year.