Edsel R. Rocksvold, age 72, passed away Monday, September 14, 2015 at his home in Alabama, surrounded by family, after a battle with cancer.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, October 3, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Elm Grove Cemetery in Washington. A general memorial has been established. Online condolences may be sent for Ed's family through the web at www.jonesfh.com .

Ed was born June 23, 1943 in Iowa, the son of Russel Anton Burton and Amelia Marie (Swehla) Rocksvold. He graduated from The University of Northern Iowa and became a teacher. He was drafted during Vietnam and served in the US Army, but returned to Iowa where he started a family and resided until 1987. Ed relocated with his family to South Texas and retired there after 18 more teaching years. He moved to Bessemer, Alabama in 2010 to be close to grandchildren but regularly traveled back to Texas where he had another grandchild.

Ed is survived by two sons: Matthew Rocksvold and wife Lynn and Jeffrey Rocksvold and wife Grace; three grandchildren: Warren, Maggie, and Daniel; three brothers: Kersten Rocksvold and wife Karen, Peter Rocksvold and wife DiAnn, and Craig Rocksvold and wife Connie; as well as his sister-in-law Cheryl Griggs Bonebrake and husband Joe; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 33 years, Barbara Ann Griggs Rocksvold, who passed away in 2003.