Edward William Giertz

Edward W “Ed” Giertz, 77 born on January 1, 1944, in Seattle WA. Graduated from Queen Anne High School in 1962. Passed away on May 21, 2021, in Tacoma WA.  Ed joins his beloved mom and dad, Bill and Donna Giertz, as well as Kelleen who forever had a place in his heart. He is survived by his wife Marsha Ann Giertz; sister Beverly Gunn; his four children Karolyn Pyle (Glenn), Kathleen Young (Mike), Heidi Ralton (Shaun), and Tim E. Giertz; seven grandchildren Mikayla Pyle, Ryan Pyle, Daria Young, Alena Young, Alison Marino (Brent), Colby Ralton, Blake Ralton (Emma), Benjamin T. Giertz; four great grandchildren Liam Nelson, Henley Nelson, Luca Marino, and Emilia Marino; as well as his beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.

Ed was a loving husband, father, grandfather, family man as well as a great friend to many. He was very proud of his family and all of their accomplishments.

Ed’s 37 year railroad career started off with Great Northern as a Fireman, later becoming a locomotive engineer for Burlington Northern, and retiring with Burlington Northern Santa Fe in 2004. Among his railroad friends, who were like extended family, he was known as “Fast Eddy”.  Ed was a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineer (BLE) Union, who he supported strongly.

Ed was known for his quick wit, great sense of humor, his ability to see the funny side in situations, and could even find a way to make you laugh during difficult times. He was also known for his stubborn personality as well as his blunt opinionated honesty.  Which would then follow with “I’m sorry I love you”.

Ed loved watching TV, the news, sports, anything to do with animals, and debating his democratic political viewpoints. Ed loved the Oldies music, but recently shared how much he loved the song from Harry Styles – “Sign of the Times”. He would also stay up into the late hours talking about the wonders of Extraterrestrial Intelligence, which always had his attention, and wondered if other life beyond us existed.  He can now ask God if it was all true. 

During Ed’s last moments he shared how at peace he was, felt no pain, how much love he felt all around him and said, “Everything is going to be alright.” We will miss him dearly.

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