Edward Ralph Blythe

Edward Ralph Blythe, 77, of Burlington, died from complications of dementia at 10:15 AM Sunday, December 26, 2021, at the Klein Center in West Burlington. Even though he wasn't at the Klein Center very long, the family really appreciated the level of kindness and compassion he was shown during his stay.

Born May 21, 1944, in Burlington, he was the son of Jack Blythe and Mae Kephart. He married Patricia Ann Nelson and they were later divorced. On October 21, 1978, he married Susan Benedict in Burlington. 

He served his country in the United States National Guard from July of 1962 to January of 1967.

Edward was hired in March of 1969 at JI Case and worked there until his retirement in March of 1994.

He was a member of Community of Christ Church in Burlington, where he was ordained as a Teacher and First Congregational Church in Burlington. He loved working outside, watching sports, and collecting baseball cards. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye, St. Louis Cardinal and Kansas City Chiefs fan. Edward also liked mowing the yard, feeding the birds, volunteering for hospital visits with his church, and watching country westerns. He loved his dogs throughout his life, Bo, Bear, Duke, and Garbo.

Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Susan Blythe of Burlington; three sons, Todd (Barb) Blythe of West Burlington, Richard (Michelle) Blythe of Chariton, Mark  (Amy Nichol) Blythe of Chicago, IL; four grandchildren, Sherell Hernandez, Krystal Reynolds, Sara Blythe, Alexander Blythe; three step-grandchildren, Jared Ritenour, Austin Ritenour and Jacen Reed; five great-grandchildren; two brothers, Stanley (Kathy) Blythe of Wyaconda, MO, Leonard "Ike" (Lois) Blythe of Burlington; and a sister, Joyce (Paul) Patton of West Point.

He was preceded in death by his parents, half brother Fred Messer, half sister Florence Messer, sister Sue Woods, half-sister Barbara Cuggino and step-mother Cartha Blythe.

Family will receive friends from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at Prugh-Thielen Funeral Home. Due to the ongoing Covid-19 virus, the family requests that those planning to attend please wear a mask or face covering.

The funeral service for Mr. Blythe will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home with Elder Al Ourth officiating. Full military honors will be rendered by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard. Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery.  A time of food and fellowship will be held in the community room at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home following the burial.

A memorial has been established for the Alzheimer's Association.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.