Edward James Payne

Payne, Edward James

Edward James Payne
Born 10/10/38 and passed away 10/1/18 at the age of 79. Preceded in death by his parents, James and Elizabeth Payne and his son, James Payne.

Ed received his undergraduate, graduate degrees, and his post graduate coursework from the University of MN. He spent all (44 years) of his professional career in education, mostly in the public university and community college systems.

Ed was a faithful and humble servant. He was impassioned to fight world hunger through teaching, leading workshops, and heroic political activism. He served on many social justice and hunger related organizations including Bread for the World, the Minneapolis Area Synod Hunger Taskforce and the Tri-State Region 3 ELCA Hunger Committees. His leadership, advocacy for change, and trenchwork were beacons of light to so many and he will be profoundly missed.

Ed is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Marlyce (Nelson); daughters Melanie Kjellberg (Jeff) and Leslie Green (Tag), daughter-in-law Robbie Payne; grandchildren Tyler (Kelly), Brian and Stephen Payne, Samuel Kjellberg, Kelsey Walz (Noah), Jacob Kjellberg and Brenna Lightfoot (Daniel); brother John Payne; and several cousins, nephews and nieces.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, 10/13/18, at 11 AM at St. Barnabas Lutheran Church, 15600 Old Rockford Rd., Plymouth, MN. 55446, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Visitation will also be held on Friday, 10/12/18, from 6-8 PM at the church.  Memorials are preferred to Bread for the World and ELCA World Hunger.