Edler (Ed), Edwin Henry

Edwin Henry Edler (Ed) of 1411 Jeffrey Dr., Tipton, entered eternal rest Aug. 4, 2010, while in the care of his family and staff of the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha. A celebration of Ed's life will be held Saturday, Aug. 7, at 10:30 a.m. at First United Church of Christ, 602 Mulberry St., Tipton. Fry Funeral Home of Tipton is serving Ed and his family and will be the site of visitation today from 4 to 7 p.m.

Ed was born Sept. 29, 1926, in Lowden, Iowa, to Emma (Boedeker) and Fred Edler. The youngest of six children, Ed grew up on the family farm and loved being outdoors. He graduated from Tipton High School in 1944. On Sept. 18, 1949, he and Shirley Joan Brendes were wed in Clarence, Iowa. They had one daughter, Pamela Jo (Swarts).

Following high school, Ed first worked at Tipton Ford Motor Co. as a mechanic. He developed a real talent for working with people and mechanical equipment when he joined his father-in-law, Elmer Brendes, at Brendes Farm Equipment. In 1968, Ed and Shirley purchased the business and it became Edler Implement Co. Over the years, Ed was proud to serve area farmers and meet other farm implement dealers from across the United States. He and Shirley retired in 1985 when their partner, Bob Jacobsen, acquired the business.

Over the years, Ed was a member of First United Church of Christ, serving as both a Deacon and elder. He was also a member of the Tipton Golf and Country Club and Loyal Order of the Moose.

Ed loved fishing, boating and golfing, but the people with him were equally important. Memories of Minnesota lakes, RV camping, and winters in southern Texas will be treasured by close friends and family. Ed was an avid crossword puzzle fan, and he thoroughly enjoyed his coffee buddies.

Surviving members of Ed's family include his wife of 61 years, Shirley, Tipton; his daughter, Pam, and grandchildren, Lauren and Logan, all of Marshalltown, Iowa; one brother, Myrl of Clarence, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Fred; and sisters, Tillie, Wilma and Emmy.

Memorials may be donated to the First United Church of Christ in Tipton and online condolences may be shared at