Edward Leroy Vanvelson

Edward Leroy Van Velson, age 80, longtime Ogallala resident, died December 31, 2014, at Great Plains Health in North Platte. Ed was born May 31, 1934 in Brule, the son of Wayne and Jennie (Frerichs) Van Velson. He was baptized June 24, 1934, at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Brule. On March 30, 1947, he was confirmed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Ogallala. Ed attended St. Paul's Lutheran School and then graduated from Ogallala High School in 1951. He was involved in the business of the family farm with his father. On July 29, 1956 Ed was united in marriage to Beverly A. Sieck at Calvary Lutheran Church in Lincoln. The couple then moved to the St. Louis, Missouri area where Bev taught school and Ed continued his education. In 1958 they moved to Lincoln, where Ed was employed in the office of the Nebraska State Auditor for several years. In 1969 the family (now including four sons) moved to Ogallala where Ed was employed with TRW. He also worked at Big Mac Diesel, Pro Oil, Ogallala Public Schools, and St. Paul's Lutheran Church and School. Ed was a faithful member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. He was an avid bowler and square danced with the Boot Hill Swingers for many years. Preceding him in death were his parents, his wife Beverly in 1991, and infant granddaughter Emma Ruth VanVelson in 1995. Survivors include four sons: Glenn (Vicky) of North Platte, Kevin of Ogallala, Alan (Connie) of Seward, and Carlin (Raylene) of Mitchell. Two sisters: Dorothy (Don) Thompson and Linda Peters, all of Ogallala. Also ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Friday, Jan. 2, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Draucker Funeral Home. The funeral service will be Saturday, Jan. 3, at 11 a.m. in St. Paul's Lutheran Church with the Rev. John Stubenrouch officiating. Interment is in the Ogallala Cemetery. A memorial has been established in his name to St. Paul's Lutheran Church.

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