Ed Perkins

Edward Arthur Perkins was born on March 14, 1925, to Harrison and Pearl (Radtke) Perkins in Pisgah, Iowa. Ed attended school at Sunnyside Country School and graduated from Pisgah High School in 1942. Ed proudly served his country in the United States Navy. After his honorable discharge he started farming near Pisgah. Ed married Velma Joan Wickersham on September 10, 1948, in Onawa, Iowa. The couple farmed west of Woodbine until they moved into Woodbine in 1998. Ed never officially retired from farming even though the couple moved to town. Velma died August 30, 2010.

Ed served as the commander of the Woodbine VFW for many years. He enjoyed camping at the family campground and at their cabin by Lynch, Nebraska. Ed enjoyed his Allis Chalmers tractors and owned eight tractors. He enjoyed refinishing and restoring metal chairs, collecting door knobs and hats, and feeding the birds and squirrels. Ed coordinated the tractor show at the annual Applefest celebration for many years. He also judged the tractors in the rodeo parade.

Ed died November 21, 2016, at Immanuel Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 91 years, eight months, and seven days.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Velma; and brother, William. He is survived by four children, Michael (Carolyn) Perkins of Woodbine, Iowa. Janice (Michael) Kozeny of Papillion, Nebraska, Nancy (John) Thomas of Omaha, Nebraska, Toni (Chris) Oakes of Bellevue, Nebraska; 10 grandchildren; 23+ great grand-children; and many other relatives and friends.