Pouliot, Edward P. Age 91 of Elk River passed away on August 21, 2014. Survived by Emily, his beloved wife of 66 years and 9 children; Jeanne (Steve) Dirksen, Michael Pouliot, Theresa (Kevin) Vetsch, Pamela (Dennis) Moos, Susan (Carl) Bazemore, Donald Pouliot, Peter (Jill) Pouliot, James Pouliot, Charles (Joy) Pouliot; daughters in-law Chris Pouliot, Patty Pouliot; and by 24 grandchildren, 27 great-grand children, and 1 great-great-grandchild. Preceded in death by sister Shirley Kroeten and daughter in-law Brenda Pouliot. Edward was born in Minneapolis on September 19, 1922. In his youth, Edward was a competitive bicycle racer and ski-jumper. He also enjoyed spending summers at his grandparents' farm along the Mississippi River in Dayton, MN. He left Minneapolis in 1939 to join the US Navy. Edward served aboard the USS Northampton and was stationed at Pearl Harbor at the onset of World War II. He experienced the war from the very beginning, participating in several legendary naval campaigns including the Doolittle Raid and the Battle of Midway Island before the Northampton was sunk on November 30, 1942 in the Battle of Tassafaronga during the Guadalcanal campaign.Returning home from the war, he met Emily and they were married four months after their first date. Edward was a family man first and foremost. He was a very engaged parent, partnering with Emily working opposite shifts to share in the tremendous responsibility of raising 9 children. With children underfoot, he still managed to find the time to personally design and construct the family residence along the Crow River near Rogers, MN. Edward was an avid fisherman and hunter. He patiently passed along his knowledge to his children during countless family camping trips. After retiring from the US Postal Service as a rural mail carrier, Edward and Emily enjoyed traveling and visiting their ever-growing family of grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial 12 Noon Friday, Sept. 5, 2014 at the Church of St. Andrew 566 4th St. NW, Elk River, MN. Visitation 4-8PM Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014 at the church and 1 hour prior to the Mass at church on Friday. Internment Private. Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers to CAER Food Shelf in Elk River, American Legion, or donor's choice. Arr: Dare's Funeral Home 763-441-1212 daresfuneralhome.com