Edward Deboer

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred in honor of Ed's memory.

EDWARD RAY DEBOER was born on August 27, 1939, the youngest of twelve children, to Peter and Edna (Smook) DeBoer on a farm near Ellsworth, Minnesota. He attended school in town and loved being social with all of his friends. One of his favorite memories was when he and a couple of buddies tried brewing beer in the barn loft, it was an unsuccessful attempt. Ed played center on the high school football team. He began trapping in high school and would continue trapping until well into his 60’s. Ed graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1958. He enlisted into the U.S. Navy on January 8, 1959 where he served as a Boiler Technician - Petty Officer 3rd Class. On June 28, 1960 Ed was united in marriage to Glenda Zylstra at the First Presbyterian Church in Sibley, Iowa. Upon Ed’s honorable discharge on January 7, 1962, the couple made their home in Luverne. He began his career working as a boiler tender for Mid Packing which became IBP and then Golden Plump. He retired in 2008. Ed and Glenda enjoyed spending winter months in Apache Junction, Arizona where they enjoyed visiting with their son and his family. Ed enjoyed reading, taking walks and sitting in the sunshine. Ed died peacefully on Monday, July 29, 2019 surrounded by his family at his home at the age of 79 years, 11 months and 2 days.

Ed was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Luverne. He loved trapping and taught this skill to many people through the years. He enjoyed playing pinochle and was a part of a card club for over 50 years. He also enjoyed snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, coin collecting, doing puzzles, listening to polka music and taking care of his cat, Pebbles. He was an incredible cook and made the best soups from scratch. He was a dedicated fan of the Minnesota Vikings and Twins. Ed was an avid reader of all books written by Louis L’Amour. He loved his family and grandkids. He will be remembered for his patience, honesty, integrity, great sense of humor and deep belly laughs.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Glenda; three children, Lyndon (Shirley) DeBoer of Apache Junction, Arizona, Lonna (Todd) Heideman of Adrian, Minnesota, Laresa DeBoer (Marc Terhaar) of Chaska, Minnesota; and four grandchildren, Colton DeBoer, Kody Heideman, Ethan Heideman, and Tannen Heideman; and other family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Edna (Smook) DeBoer; his two daughters, Valeran DeBoer and Dawn DeBoer; granddaughter, Perri Heideman; three sisters, Fern Visker, Edna Hassler and Gertrude Koppman; and eight brothers, Harm, Jake, Hilko, Otto, Pete, Tom, John and Hank DeBoer.