Edward (Ed) Francis Almekinder, 78, of Raleigh, North Carolina, went to be with his Lord and Savior on September 14, 2026, following a courageous battle with heart failure resulting from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, an inherited heart condition. He passed away peacefully with his beloved wife and two daughters by his side.

Ed was born on May 24, 1948, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Edwin Almekinder and Gladys (Kuehn) Almekinder. He grew up in Waukesha with his two older sisters and attended Waukesha South High School. He continued his education at the University of Wisconsin-Waukesha before transferring to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education in 1971. He later earned a Master of Education in Physical Education from the University of Minnesota in 1974.

During his freshman and sophomore years at the University of Wisconsin-Waukesha, Ed was a member of the inaugural men’s varsity basketball team. He was voted honorary captain both years and was named the team’s most valuable player as a freshman. In 2003, he was inducted into the University of Wisconsin-Waukesha Athletic Hall of Fame for basketball.

While Ed was a student in Madison, he met Patti Sue Otto. They married just six months later, on January 30, 1971, beginning a loving partnership that would span more than 55 years. After marrying, they moved to Minnesota, where he began his teaching internship, and in 1976, they built their dream home on Forest Lake.

Ed taught science, physical education and health curriculum in the White Bear Lake School District for 10 years. He was also the head basketball coach and assistant football coach, in addition to coaching the golf, tennis, and junior varsity baseball teams at various times.

Ed proudly served his country for 27 years. He was drafted into the United States Army on Christmas Eve in 1968 and completed basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Following active duty, he transferred to an Infantry National Guard company in Wisconsin while returning to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He later served as First Sergeant with the Minnesota National Guard’s 147th Finance Company before joining the United States Army Reserve. As an instructor at the Reserve school, Ed taught at several Noncommissioned Officer Academies and eventually became head of all Military Police schools in North Carolina. He retired in 2000 as a Master Sergeant.

In 1982, Ed and Patti moved their family to Raleigh, inspired in part by a Christmas vacation to Hilton Head Island and the promise of warmer weather after enduring two Minnesota blizzards in a single week. Raleigh became their home, while Hilton Head remained a favorite destination for many family vacations.

After moving to Raleigh, Ed established and operated two commercial equipment-leasing corporations. A hardworking and determined entrepreneur, he successfully managed the businesses as a one-man operation until his retirement in 2015.

Ed was happiest when he was working with his hands or spending time outdoors. He was a talented woodworker who created picture frames, tables, furniture, and many special pieces for the family home. He took great pride in his yard and built two beautiful ponds that became treasured features of it. He loved golfing for as long as his heart allowed and remained an enthusiastic viewer of professional golf tournaments.

Fishing was another lifelong joy. Ed and Patti shared the love of being on the water and spent many happy days fishing, boating, and enjoying lake life together. Over the years, that passion took them to fishing camps in Canada and on memorable cabin vacations in Maine with their bass boat.

Retirement brought Ed and Patti many happy years of travel. Together, they enjoyed numerous cruises and visited Australia, New Zealand, Croatia, Normandy and Hawaii, among many other destinations. He also appreciated a properly made Wisconsin old-fashioned cocktail and proudly taught many family members and friends how to make one.

Above all, Ed was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and man of faith. He began each morning with prayer and read his Bible every night, completing it in its entirety. His family finds comfort in knowing that he was certain of where he was going and is now at peace with Jesus.

Ed is survived by his beloved wife, Patti; his daughters, Jennifer Almekinder and Tara Vogelien, and Tara’s husband, Matthew; his grandchildren, Samantha and Franklin Vogelien; his sister, Marie Carpenter of Wisconsin; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his older sister, Elaine Winn of Wisconsin.

Ed was a cherished friend to many and will be remembered for his quiet faith, loyal service, strong work ethic, skilled hands and steadfast devotion to the people he loved. The life he built and the family he cherished will remain his greatest legacy.

The family will honor Ed’s life in a private service. They are deeply grateful for the love, prayers and support of his many friends and extended family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to two of his favorite charities: Tunnel to Towers Foundation or Samaritan’s Purse.