SPECHT EDWIN J

CW5 Edwin J. Specht was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 04/18/2025 at the age of 75.1 from Parkinson
Elk River, MN
Flight Classes 69-43 and 69-41
Date of Birth 03/17/1950
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with 173 ABN BDE in 70-71, 498 MED CO in 71
This information was provided by Tom St.Hilaire - obit

More detail on this person: Edwin J. Specht . age 75. of Otsego. Minnesota, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the Minnesota Veterans Home after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease. Ed was born in 1950 to Erwin and Doris (Dill) Specht and shared many fun memories with his five siblings on the family farm in Elk River along the Mississippi. A graduate of Elk River High School. Ed began his career working alongside his family at the Specht Bus Company. He later answered the call to serve his country.joining the U.S.Army during the Vietnam War where he became a highly respected helicopter pilot. He served two tours in Vietnam. volunteering for the second as a medical evacuation pilot-a role that spoke to his courage and compassion. Ed continued his military service with the Minnesota Army National Guard, where he remained until his retirement in 2002 as a Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5). Ed is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Beth Specht; children Stacee (Allen) Smith. Emilee (Andy) Thompson. and Robert Specht; and his nine adored grandchildren Wyatt, Myles, Clayton, Anastasia, Edwin, Amelia. Cecilia. Charlie. and Eleanor. He was preceded in death by his parents, Erwin and Doris Specht. Though ying was his passion, Ed's greatest JOY was found in spending time with his family. In his younger years, he could often be found playing basketball or camping with the family. Later :n life. he cherished riding his 4-wheeler, lighting fireworks. and soaking in the view from the cabin with his grandchildremoments he treasured for as long as he was able. Ed's legacy of service. love. and family will live on in all who knew him. A visitation will be held at the Peterson Chapel in St. Michael. Minnesota. on Thursday, April 24. from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Albert's Catholic Church m Albertville, Minnesota. on Friday, Apnl 25. at 10:00 a.m.. with visitation one hour prior. Interment to follow. Memorials can be made to the Minnesota Veterans Home. We extend a heartfelt thankyou to the staff of the Minnesota Veterans Home for Ed's loving care during the last 2 1/2 years.

Burial information: St. Martin Cemetery, Rogers, MN

This information was last updated 05/08/2025

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Date posted on this site: 10/13/2025