11/22/1921 – 1/8/2016
Ed was born November 22, 1921, the fifth of sixth children born to John and Nellie Laufer. His birth occurred in Hettinger, ND where he was the first of two sons to follow four daughters. He died on January 8, 2016 at his home in Omaha surrounded by loved ones. He is the last surviving member of his immediate family. In 2012, he was preceded in death by beloved spouse Edith, who left this world just shy of their 70th wedding anniversary. He is also preceded in death by 5 siblings and many other family members. He is survived by loving children, daughter, Mary Marts; sons, Gene (Betty) Laufer and Gary Laufer; 7 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandson; beloved pet, Buddy; sisters-in-law, Ethel Laufer and Patricia Trenkamp; brothers-in-law, Joe (Mary) McGill and Ray McGill; many nieces, nephews and their families; close friends and many others who loved him. Memorials suggest to the DAV or St. Jude’s.
In celebration of his life, the family will receive friends Sunday, January 10, 2016 starting at 4pm with a vigil service at 6:30pm, all at Roeder Mortuary 108th Street Chapel. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL Monday, January 11, 2016 at 11am at St. Elizabeth Ann Catholic Church 5419 N. 114th St. Interment Calvary Cemetery.
Ed was a soldier to the very end. He started out his young adult life bravely going off to war. Leaving his bride, family, friends& his safe nest behind. He raised 3 good children & became an adoring Grandpa. He spent his long, full life loving Edith & the kids to his bone marrow. Went to work everyday with the dedication & discipline of a soldier. Mowed his lawn, paid his bills on time, went to church on Sunday & protected his family & friends. Ed was not a winer or complainer, always found a way to help others without ever wanting or expecting anything in return. He remained loyal, brave, witty & kind AND fully in charge right up until his last breath.
God granted him his final wish: to die in his own home, in the bed he shared with his beloved Edith for almost 70 years, surrounded by his loving kids & grandkids..a brave soldier to the end. Now his job on earth is done, he is back with his Edith & will soldier on watching over the rest of us.Thank you Ed …for protecting our country, & for living a life of goodness, strenght & kindness. For his wonderful family & the rest of us lucky enough to have known Ed…his gift was a roadmap for how to live our lives with courage, honor & love.
We send our sympathy to everyone. Regretfully, we will not make it to the funeral. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you at this time.
You have my sympathy. We will all miss your father. Uncle Eddie was one of my favorite uncles. I have decided not to come for the funeral. I will remember him and you in my prayers.