Springfield man's death investigated

'Speedy' Saffert

remembered as a 'kind, kind soul'

By KEVIN SWEENEY

Journal Editor

SPRINGFIELD -- Springfield Police are investigating the death of an elderly man whose body was found in his home Monday morning.

Springfield Police Chief Jeff Cummins offered few details about the death of Edwin J. Saffert, 79, saying only that "suspicious elements" were involved that led to the investigation. The Brown County Sheriff's Office and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension are also working on the case.

Saffert's body was discovered Monday morning by a Springfield utilities worker who had come to read the meters at his home, Cummins said.

More details are expected to be released this morning.

Saffert was described by people who knew him as a "kind, kind soul," who was well known about town. "Speedy," as he was known, was a regular visitor at stores and business offices in Springfield.

One Springfield resident described Saffert as one of those characters that everybody in town knew -- a person that doesn't make enemies.

Saffert, wearing his usual attire of bib overalls and a work shirt, frequently ventured downtown from his home near Tauer's Super Valu. Sometimes, he brought a folding chair, sat down in front of the bank and conversed with passersby.

"He was a real sweet old man," said Cindy Drury, who with her husband Jay owns Springfield Drug. "He had a speech impediment, so it was hard for people to understand him, but for those who got to know him, after a while you knew what he was saying. He had a great sense of humor.

"He considered us his friends, and he would do anything for us" said Drury.

Saffert would stop at the drug store each day to help UPS driver Gayland Stark during his deliveries by holding the door.

"He'd go business to business with me and help deliver packages," said Stark, who said Saffert was "a very dear friend." In return for his help over the years, Stark gave Saffert a UPS cap to wear, which Saffert wore with pride. "He was an honorary member," said Stark. "He was the kindest man in the world. He just wanted to make people laugh and have a good day. He was just a kind, kind soul."

Drury said Saffert's friends around town would all look after him and make sure he was OK.

"We're all upset that something like this would happen to him," said Drury.