Edwin E. Dudenhoeffer

Edwin (Eddie/Ed) Eugene Dudenhoeffer passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Sunday, July 14, 2024. Born on August 29, 1930 to the late Eugene and Amelia (Pat) Dudenhoeffer in St. Louis, Missouri, where he lived until he and his family moved away in the mid-1960s.

Eddie, a beloved, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle is survived by his wife of 68 years, Joan, and their seven children, Deborah (Eugene) Kessler, Deann (William) Olli, Barbara McCort, Beverly (David) Rosania, David (Sue) Dudenhoeffer, Peggy (Frank) Aparicio, and Patricia (Mark) Henricks; sixteen grandchildren Erin, Joan, Jeanette, David, William, Barbara, Frederick, Kristine, Alexandra, Joseph, Emily, Patrick, Daniel, Caroline, Courtney and Tyler; thirteen great-grandchildren, Garrett, Kate, Keith, Luke, Lilikoi, Austin, Koa, Zachary, Olivia, Samuel, Justin, Davis, and Liliana; plus many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his much-loved sister Jane Lakebrink.

He and Joan met on a blind date, and after a whirlwind courtship were married a year later, this July would have been their 69th wedding anniversary. Together they raised seven children, owned eight homes, and traveled extensively through the United States and Europe. They shared a strong bond through their faith and their love of family.

Eddie graduated from Christian Brothers College High School in St. Louis and then proudly served in the U.S. Army where he was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood and in Okinawa, Japan. He began his career at IBM as a key punch operator. Over his 37-year career with the company he accepted five major transfers that moved him and his family across the country, each one offering new opportunities and technologies as he rose to an executive position, before retiring from his final leadership role. Following his retirement, he served on the Board of Directors for the IBM Quarter Century Club, and then became an Officer taking on the duties of Treasurer until 2017.

He spent over 20 years as a Football Official, refereeing hundreds of high school football games, and was President of the Washington District Football Officials Association (WDFOA) at one point. During his time as an Official he developed close friendships with his crews and enjoyed being in charge on the field which earned him the nickname, "The Hammer". Eddie, always one to get involved, joined the Church Ministry for St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Derwood as an Usher and Money Counter where he volunteered his time for over 25 years. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, Derwood Council participating in various events and serving as the Treasurer for many years. He was also a member of the American Legion.

A big Washington Capitals fan, Eddie had season tickets for many years back when they still played at the Capital Centre. You could always find him at the arena early, chatting with his fellow season ticket holders and cheering on the team. His heart held a special place for all things St. Louis including the Cardinals baseball and football teams (and even the Blues hockey team unless they were playing the Caps!)

As a young man he was always up for fun and thrills, driving his convertible, dancing the night away or taking out his speedboat! An enthusiastic boater, he enjoyed many years cruising along the South River and Chesapeake Bay in his boats the "Joan Let Me", and the "Joan Let Me II"! If he wasn't on his boat, you could find him either in his computer room playing online Scrabble or in his recliner watching something on the Turner Classic Movies channel!

He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and neighbors!