STRATFORD, Iowa—Coach Ed McBirnie, 78, of Stratford, Iowa, passed away at Trinity Regional Medical Center in Fort Dodge, Iowa, on Thursday, February 27, 2025. He was born on March 31, 1946, in Boone, Iowa, the son of Harold and Pauline (Grigsby) McBirnie. On August 1, 1964, he married Julie Christensen at his parent’s church of choice in Boone. His church of choice became the Presbyterian Church in Arizona, where he attended church regularly. He received an Iowa GED, and then graduated from a truck driver training school. He later retired from being a meat cutter.
Ed was the Boone and ISU boxing coach, and also coached the Knockouts, a girls slow-pitch softball team. He believed his grandson Austin would follow in his coaching footsteps since as a teen he made it to the baseball Mid Plains Regional Tournament, and then later played on a men’s softball team. Ed was interested in his family’s sporting events, attending them when he could or would make sure to hear about them afterwards. He enjoyed the races at the Boone Speedway and Marshalltown Fairgrounds Track, where his son Joe and grandson Jake frequently race.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Pauline McBirnie.
He is survived by his ex-spouse and best friend, Julie McBirnie of Boone, IA; sons: Eddie McBirnie of Stratford, IA-Amy McBirnie of Lamoni, IA, Jeff McBirnie of Ash Fork, AZ-Danelle McBirnie of Boone, IA, Tim McBirnie of Stratford, IA, and Joe (Susie) McBirnie of Boone, IA; grandchildren: Amanda (Derek) Beaumier of Des Moines, IA, Austin (Sami) McBirnie of Boone, IA, Chaz McBirnie of New Sharon, IA, Adam McBirnie of Boone, IA, Carissa McBirnie of Lamoni, IA, Jake (Savannah) McBirnie of Boone, IA, and Kolby McBirnie of Boone, IA; great-grandchildren: Oakleigh McBirnie, Maddox McBirnie, and Roczen McBirnie, all of Boone, IA; sister, Sharon Hyatt of Las Vegas, NV; brother, Bill (Mary) McBirnie of Boone, IA; and many extended family members.
Visitation with the family present to greet friends will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 7, 2025, at the First Presbyterian Church in Boone. Memorial services will be at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the First Presbyterian Church in Boone, with Pastor John Pea officiating.
Ed McBirnie, 78, Stratford, Iowa
