Edward "Eddie" Leo Vierling

Edward "Eddie" Leo Vierling, age 62, of Prior Lake, passed away on November 23, 2024.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Eddie's honor on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 11 AM with a Time of Gathering from 9:30 -11 AM, all at St. Patrick Catholic Church of Cedar Lake, 24425 Old Hwy 13 Blvd, Jordan. Eddie will be laid to rest at Shakopee Catholic Cemetery, 830 10th Ave W, Shakopee. Father Michael Miller will preside.

Edward Leo was born on September 25, 1962 to Leo and Helen (Buchtel) Vierling in Minneapolis, MN. The fourth child of five, Eddie grew up on the small family farm in Prior Lake that was established in 1864. At an early age, he developed a strong connection to nature and the natural world around him. The farm also instilled a strong work ethic and taught Eddie how to work as a team with his family. After his graduation from high school, he started his career at CH Carpenter, working as a forklift operator for 25 years – loading and transporting materials in the lumber yard. After the company shut down, Eddie worked a few miscellaneous jobs with Target and Toro before finishing his career with Lyman Lumber, loading materials into semi-trucks. He loved his work, and was passionate about what he did throughout his career. 

Eddie’s dedication was not only to his work, but to his family and faith as well. His kindness left a mark that many will cherish for years to come. He was extremely proud of his ancestry and believed that it provides a sense of foundation that forms the basis of our lives in the present. It was important to Eddie to preserve the Vierling family circle, keeping the history alive for many generations to come. 

Eddie had a special relationship with his mother, Helen. When his father passed away, he moved his mom into his house to watch over and take care of her. He loved spending time with her and lived by the motto of “whatever Mom wants, she gets!” His goal was to always keep her smiling and make her happy. Eddie, Helen, and his beloved dog, Annie shared many years together in the house he designed and even enjoyed traveling in the RV together all over the country. He also loved his siblings and other family dearly, and he was honored to be a Godfather. Each family member could always count on receiving a musical birthday card from Eddie every year. 

Throughout his life, Eddie dedicated his time to his Catholic faith. He was a devout member of the church, teaching religious education at St. Patrick and St. Joachim and Anne for many years. Eddie was incredibly proud of all the children he taught and led over the years of teaching religious education classes. He had an unmatched kindness and giving nature and loved to serve his church and the community around him. Every year, he made a point to visit the group of nuns in Mankato. He was also an active member of the Jaycees of Shakopee, the Franciscan Retreat House, and the Knights of Columbus. 

In his free time, Eddie loved collecting old clocks such as grandfather, cuckoo, and mantel clocks. He was particularly proud of his floor standing antique radio that was restored. He held a strong nostalgia for things of the past, even with small appliances and trinkets. He enjoyed old TV shows and Disney movies as well. 

Ed was truly one of a kind and will be missed by all. He now lives in the hearts of his family. He is survived by his loving mother, Helen; siblings, Susan Scully (Gary), Lucy Cunningham, and Michael (Becky); nieces and nephews, Tony, Polly, Brian, Katie, Bobby, Dave, Bethany; beloved dog, Annie; and many other loving relatives and friends.

He will be reunited in heaven with his father, Leo Vierling; and infant brother.