FAYETTE—John Edward Garrow, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and lifelong farmer, passed away at Hospice of Northwest Ohio on March 9, 2025, at the age of 86 following a brief illness. Born and raised in rural Fayette, Ohio, Ed was the son of John Jay and Catherine (Keefer) Garrow. He graduated from Chesterfield High School in 1956. Ed dedicated his life to working the land, instilling in his family a deep appreciation for hard work, perseverance and the simple joys of life.

For 67 years, Edward was the loving and steadfast husband of his high school sweetheart Wilma Jappsen. They were married on February 16, 1958, and she survives. Together, they built a life rooted in love and faith, raising a family that brought them immense pride and joy. His greatest happiness came from time spent with his family, whether in the fields, around the dinner tables, or on the back porch watching the sunset over his family’s centennial farm.

Ed was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Morenci, Michigan, where he served on church council there. He was honored in 2000 as an outstanding volunteer for the Fulton County Fair and inducted into the Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2015. Ed’s hands told the story of his life- weathered from years of tending the soil, yet always ready to offer a firm handshake, a helping hand, or a comforting embrace. He was known for his unwavering work ethic, kind heart, and quiet wisdom.

Edward is survived by his beloved wife Wilma, his children Mark Garrow, Matt (Jane) Garrow, Mitch (Julie) Garrow, Myra (Mark) Wolfrum, grandchildren Victoria (Zac) Muehlfeld, Melanie Wolfrum, Erich Wolfrum, and great grandson Finnley Muehlfeld. He is also survived by his sister, Carolyn (Terry) Waltz. He was proceeded in death by his brother and sister-in-law Art and Audrey Garrow, and brother-in-law William Jappsen.

The family would like to thank the staff at Mercy St. Vincent’s Neurology Center and Hospice of Northwest Ohio for providing care and comfort to Ed in his final days.

A Christian funeral for Edward will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church, located at 800 W Chestnut St, Morenci, Michigan, at 11:00. Visitation from 9:00-11:00 will precede the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Mercy Health Foundation for St. Vincent Medical Center, or a charity of the donor’s choice in Ed’s memory.

Ed’s life was one of dedication- to his faith, his family, his farm, and his community. Though he has laid down his tools for the last time, his love and legacy will continue to grow in the hearts of all who knew him.

Friends can express sympathies to the family online by visiting the tribute wall at www.eaglemarryfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been made with the guidance of the Eagle-Marry Funeral Home, Morenci.