Edward James Woeckener

Edward James Woeckener of Asheville, NC, passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2026. He was 91 years old. Ed is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Marla Jane (nee Green), his son-in-law, Richard Brown, his three sons, Michael, Phillip and Richard, along with 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Ed was born in Clifton, NJ on December 22, 1934 to Edward and Catherine (nee Williams) Woeckener. Ed received a Bachelors Degree in Business from the University of Colorado, where he met Marla. He served two years in the 82nd Airborne Division of the US Army. He then spent five years with United Airlines in Denver before moving to New York and then later to Miami, Florida working for Trans World Airlines (TWA), all working in Sales and Marketing. He also spent 8 years with Marriott In-Flight Services out of Miami International Airport.

Beyond his family and career, Ed’s greatest passion was the game of golf, which he passed on to his sons and grandsons. It was this love of golf that eventually drew him and Marla to retire to Asheville, where he spent many years as a member of the Country Club of Asheville.

Ed will be remembered as someone who made friends easily and delighted in a good drink and the conversation that went with it.

Funeral Services will take place on Friday, May 8th at 11:00 am at Grace Episcopal Church in Asheville. The family will greet friends following the service.

Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue is assisting the family, and the online memorial is available at www.grocefuneralhome.com.