Edward J. Wyffels

EDWARD J. WYFFELS was born the last of eleven children to Henry Jacob and Nellie Marie (De King) Wyffels on October 18, 1929 in Park Rapids, Minnesota. Throughout his childhood, Ed lived in Northern Minnesota. He attended Park Rapids Public Schools through the eighth grade.

At the age of 17 he moved to Rock County and worked for various farmers. He joined the United States Armed Forces September 1951 and was honorably discharged September 1959. After basic training, Ed set sail from Seattle, Washington through the Puget Sound and was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska until August 1953. Ed was very proud of his service to his country and often reminisced about his experiences.

Ed returned to Rock County and began his employment with the Luverne Farm Store in 1954 until his retirement in 2000. Ed was an invaluable employee, colleague and friend to many people throughout the county. He was very knowledgeable about the agricultural business and farming methods. He enjoyed driving in the country looking at farms, crops, livestock and wildlife.

On January 21, 1956 he was united in marriage to Carol Kortleever at Zion Lutheran Church in Hardwick, Minnesota. They settled in Luverne and were happily married for 55 years and blessed with two daughters, Patricia and Beth.

Ed enjoyed fishing, pheasant hunting, playing cards, joking with the guys, football, gardening and the solace and beauty of Rock County. He would often drive by the Blue Mounds to see what wildlife could be seen from the road. He loved spending time with his family and looked forward to their visits and calls.

On Sunday, December 18, 2011, Ed entered the Sanford Luverne Hospital, where on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 he passed away at 82 years, two months and two days.

Ed will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by his wife, Carol; his two daughters, Patricia Wyffels and her spouse David Katkov of Alamo, California, and Beth Ormseth and her spouse Gregg Ormseth of Austin, Minnesota; his cherished granddaughter, Sara Ormseth, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and numerous extended family members, and many friends. Ed was preceded in death by his parents; seven brothers; and three sisters.

The family prefers memorials, in lieu of flowers, with donations directed to Pheasants Forever (Luverne Chapter) or the Luverne Area Community Foundation.