Marion Edwin York passed away on November 3rd at age 89 in his home in Burlington Iowa with family by his side. He was known as Pat to his family, Ed to his friends, and Mr. York to his many students. Ed passed quickly and thankfully did not suffer; he died of complications related to his heart and lungs, and while the past few months were not easy for him, this summer he was still riding his Big Bear, driving his new riding mower, and yelling at speeding cars on Gnahn street.
Mr. York was best known for his many years as a biology teacher at Burlington Highschool. He developed advanced laboratory methods for inspiring students to think independently, and the words “fetal pig” will spark mixed memories for many. He understood his teenage students, offering them matches when they snuck out for a smoke and helping graduates hold a 12-kegger party on the Back 40 one year. He received his Master’s Degree in Education at Atlanta University, where he felt honored to be in a class of predominantly African American students. He also served in the Army and observed one of the first US fax transmissions in the testing of this new communication technology.
He was less known for his conceptual futuristic thinking, but this was important to him, and he predicted trends that came true 20 to 30 years later. In the 1980’s he developed a new type of diesel engine oil filtration system and tested it on hundreds of Iowa school buses, proving that the oil never had to be changed and engine performance improved over time. He won best paper at the 1983 Society of Automotive Engineering conference. This summer he was trying to make his case to the Iowa Secretary of Agriculture for farming ideas that he believed would be needed as global climate change progresses.
Ed was very proud of his wife Jean and his kids Dave, Denise and Pam and their spouses Robin, Jay and Dave. He frequently mentioned how much he was looking forward to seeing Jean again, who passed in 2015. He also missed his brother Dan and sister Peg who passed in recent years along with his mother Dorothy and father Owen years ago. He has 4 grandchildren Cary, Grant, Mandy, and Blake, and 6 great grandchildren Austin, Haily, Shannon, Maya, Jace and Mayla who called him Big Poppa, and an extended family who he enjoyed living across the street from for many years. Our family loved him dearly even when he was grouchy or ranting about the world today. We will especially remember him for his love of giant sunflowers and all the good times fishing, boating, gardening and building bonfires. We love you Dad, Grandpa, and Big Poppa.
A memorial has been established for the “Marion Edwin York Memorial”, where funds will be awarded annually to outstanding students. Checks or flowers can be sent to the Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street, Burlington IA 52601.
Marion was laid to rest in Edwards Cemetery.
Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.
Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Marion's obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.
