Edward Orenstein

Edward Davis Orenstein (Sooky) age 82, formerly of Edina and St. Paul, Minnesota, passed away on April 17, 2013 in Duncanville, TX at the home of his son, James Orenstein. James and his wife, Rosa, lovingly cared for Ed in his final years after he was disabled by a stroke. Born in Minneapolis to Fred and Anne Orenstein, Ed graduated from the U. of M. with degrees in physics and electrical engineering. After serving in the US Air Force, Ed embarked on the ups and downs of an entrepreneurial career that lasted over four decades. Ed became one of the original driving forces behind the development of the computer industry in Minnesota, with companies such as Data Display and Data 100. Later he expanded to other digital information design services through Stearns Computer Systems, Commonwealth Leasing, Laserdyne, Lee Data, Databar Corp., Bar Code Dynamics and a favorite of his, Neon Dynamics, which specialized in the production of neon signage. Ed was married to Faith Marilyn (Mitzi) Klass from 1953 till her death in 2000. He is survived by siblings, Stuart Orenstein and Barbara Schampan; children, James Orenstein (Rosa) of Duncanville, TX, Nancy Ward (Michael) of Charleston, WV and Amy Mow (Jeff) of Seward, AK; as well as grandchildren Louis, Sara, Matthew, Evan, Gavin and Peter. Graveside service will be at Mt. Zion Cemetery on April 21 at 11:30 am.