Edward William Cafourek, age 70, of Nashwauk, MN passed away Friday, February 10, 2023 at his home.

Ed was born in 1952 to Alfred and Emily Cafourek in Park Rapids, Minnesota. He graduated from Nashwauk High School in 1971. He was employed with US Steel/MN Tac for 31 years. Ed was united in marriage to Barb Leen in 2002 in Pengilly, MN.

Ed was a kind, gentle loving man whose generous heart touched many lives. Affectionately known as "Butch" to his family and close friends, Ed enjoyed a simple quiet life serving Jesus Christ whom he deeply loved. Disillusioned with life, with the help of 2 of his beloved sisters, Carol and LaDonna, Ed was born again according to Jesus" instructions and became a dedicated student of the Holy Scriptures. His heart"s desire was to hear God say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Enter you into the joy of the Lord."

Upon marrying Barb, Ed inherited a daughter and son, Abbie and Aaron Leen. He grew to love them deeply and had great respect for them. He counted them as his own children and couldn"t have loved them more. When Aaron married Cassie and Abbie married Brian, they simply added to Ed"s joy and he embraced them with the same love and respect. In fact, Ed considered all of Barb"s family as his own and strove to help them however and whenever possible as he did for his mom, Emily, until her death.

One of the greatest joys of his life was the arrival of his first grandchild, Arianna. He fondly recalled her first steps, taking her for walks, four-wheeler rides, helping her catch her first fish, and taking her on mini vacations to Park Rapids, MN. He felt she was the child he never had. Four more of Ed"s greatest joys began to appear 7 years later " Evelyn, William, Waylon, and Josephine. They all have a very special place in Grandpa"s heart. He loved them all very much.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers-in-law, Roger Varichak, Dean Warden, Joel Webster, and John Koewler; and nephews, Rick and Mark Webster, and Craig Cafourek.

Ed is survived by his wife, Barb; one daughter, Abbie (Brian) Christenson; one son, Aaron (Cassandra) Leen; seven sisters: Marcene (Bill) Kendall, Carol (Don) Metzer, Jeanette Webster, LaDonna (John) Koski, Delores Warden, Nancy Koewler, Marie (Roy) Breeden; two brothers, Alfred "Bob" (Pat) Cafourek and Lynden Cafourek; 5 grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Monday, February 20, 2023, from 12 Noon until 3:00 PM at Libbey Funeral Home, Grand Rapids, MN. A private burial will be at the Nashwauk Cemetery, Nashwauk, MN.

Arrangements are with Libbey Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.libbeyfuneralhome.com.