Gregory Michael Edelen

Gregory Michael Edelen, 78, of Alice, TX passed away, Sunday, March 15, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. He was born February 22, 1948, in Kyoto, Japan to the late LTC (Ret) Joseph and Marilyn Edelen.

Greg attended college at Texas A&I University in Kingsville, TX where he met and married his wife, Lauren Elayne Sowa; they were married 55 years. After college Greg served in the United States Army and was stationed in Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. After leaving the service, Greg and Lauren briefly lived in Bloomfield, Nebraska and Kingsville, TX before settling in Alice where they have remained for the last 50 years. Greg and Lauren eventually purchased land west of Alice and Greg turned his favorite hobby of farming into a lifetime career. Greg was an active member of the local farming community and huge promoter of land conservation and preservation. He was a member of the Texas Farm Bureau where he served as president from 2013-2016. In 2025 he was awarded the Texas Farm Bureau Pioneer award for District 13. Greg’s love for the land and its proper care inspired him to go full-time into row crop farming in the mid 80’s. In the late 90’s his passion for quality natural foods helped grow a successful grass-fed beef and pastured poultry business that is now run by his son Andrew. Greg was also an active member of his parish and devoted to his catholic faith evident by his past participation in the church choir, marriage preparation ministry, and serving as a eucharistic minister. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 2992 and is a Fourth Degree Knight. Family was a huge part of Greg’s life; he was the 2nd oldest of 10 children. Lauren and he raised 6 children, who blessed them with many grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Greg has greatly enjoyed travelling around the country while visiting and vacationing with all of them, it was always a little loud, but a lot of fun and the love could be felt by all.

Greg was proceeded in death by his son, Robert, his parents, his brother, Joe, sister, Mary, and nephew, Anthony.

He was survived by his wife, Lauren, 3 sons Michael (Jennifer) Edelen, James (Leslie) Edelen, Andrew (Kaylyn) Edelen, 2 daughters, Sharon (Jerry) Caanen, Angela (Scott) Kilgore, 20 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren.

A visitation will be held Friday,March 20, 2026 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM with the Holy Rosary to be recited at 7:00 PM at Holmgreen Mortuary 2061 E. Main St. Alice, Texas. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday,March 21, 2026 at 10:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Alice, Texas followed by a Burial at Alice Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Elizabeth Catholic School, Alice, TX.

Arrangements are entrusted to Holmgreen Mortuary, 2061 East Main Street, Alice, Texas.

Condolences for the family may be offered at www.holmgreenmortuaryinc.com and shared via Holmgreen Mortuary Facebook 

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