Edward Dutch Earl Springer

Born in Placerville, California on July 10, 1925, passed away at home on January 11, 2012 at the age of 86. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Norma. Beloved father of Katherine McLaughlin (Rick), Virginia Hall (Jim), Edward Springer Jr. (Marion), Lanona Nolan, Paula Najarzadeh (Kourosh), and Frank Springer. Cherished grandfather to 14 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Dutch was a heavy equipment operator for Operating Engineer Local 3 and enjoyed spending time with Norma in Lake Tahoe and Reno.

Family and friends are invited to the viewing on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 between the hours of 4:00 and 8:00 PM a recitation of the Holy Rosary will be at 6:00 PM at Harry A. Nauman & Son, Land Park Funeral Chapel, 4041 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 10:00 AM at St. Rose Catholic Church, 5961 Franklin Blvd., Sacramento. A reception immediately following Mass will be held at Msg. Kavanagh Parish Hall.

BIOGRAPHY

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Edward Earl Springer. He was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. Edward was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what he meant.

The son of Carl and Amelia Springer, Edward was raised in Placerville, California and on a working ranch in Pleasant Valley. During his childhood he learned to be reliable and respectful. Edward was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. He found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Edward's personality throughout his life.

Though Edward was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with his family, he was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Edward was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Edward worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Edward was raised with three siblings. He had two older brothers, Eugene "Soup" and Robert "Boom," and a younger sister, Betty. Edward and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of his experiences, Edward was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although he had an exacting nature, Edward was always tactful. One thing Edward will certainly be remembered for is that, when he got up in the mornings, he was ready and raring to go. As a young boy, Edward had a number of interests and was an active child. He was an altar boy at his church and Boy Scout.

For Edward, the school routines were never a problem although he generally preferred variety to structure. He seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And he was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Edward was also adept at details. Edward was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was debate team.

Edward was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call him sentimental and a romantic at heart. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around his. Edward cared for what others thought and carried that into his marriage. On October 23, 1948 Edward married Norma Pearl "Sugar" Jackson. They eloped in Nevada then had their marriage blessed in the church, which also happened to be the first wedding Monsignor Kavanagh performed at St. Rose Catholic Church in Sacramento. Compassionate and devoted, Edward worked hard to make his new life partner happy.

Harmony was important to Edward and he made every effort to maintain it with his family. Edward was blessed with six children, Katherine, Virginia, Edward Jr. Lanona, Paula, and Frank. They were also blessed with fourteen grandchildren, Michelle, Robert, Victor, Andrea, Edward III, Leonard, Richard, Norma, Sarah, Shannon, Soudabeh, Sharzad, Cyrus, and Arash. Edward was always conscious of the feelings others had. He was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Edward was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. His secret of success in this area was simple: Edward would listen before he would act.

Taking his work seriously came naturally to Edward, and he expected the same from those around him. Edward was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. He was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in his good communication skills. Edward was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Edward handled well. He could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” His primary occupation was as a heavy equipment operator and was a member of the Operating Engineers Local 3. After retiring from this career, Edward worked for the State of California at the Franchise Tax Board and Employment Development Department. He brought harmony to his work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for his colleagues.

Blessed with a practical nature, Edward was a person who appreciated the routine of the military. He was a man who took his obligations seriously, working well with the others in his unit. Edward was a Marine veteran. He was in the Pacific theatre and participated in the Guadalacanal, Gilbert Island, Marshall Islands, and Tarowa Campaigns. Edward saw action in World War II. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Private First Class.

A methodical man, Edward enjoyed spending time working on his various hobbies. He had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that he could have something to show for his efforts. His favorite pursuits were hunting, fishing, horse racing, and playing craps in Nevada.

Edward was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth his best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Edward was always enthusiastic and a great team player. In high school, Edward played tennis and baseball. In his later years, his recreational sports included baseball.

His keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Edward to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because he was outgoing and worked well with others, Edward did his fair share of volunteer work. And he wouldn’t shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. He was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. In high school, Edward was a member of the debate team. Throughout his later years, Edward was an active member of the El Dorado Jeep Herders.

His high moral standards and traditional values served Edward well with his faith. Religion and faith were important to him. He was a member of St. Rose Catholic Church for over 63 years. He was well respected because he was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner he could.

Not only did Edward enjoy traveling, but he also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. He was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. He rarely tired of going back and revisiting his favorite places. Favorite vacations included going camping with family and friends.

Edward passed away on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at his home in Sacramento, California. Edward fought a brave battle against pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his wife Norma, his six children, fourteen grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren. Services were held at St. Rose Catholic Church. Edward was laid to rest in Pleasant Valley Cemetery, in Pleasant Valley, California.

Edward was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever he said something, he meant it. Edward was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life he touched will miss Edward Earl Springer.