Edwin "Ed" Eilts

Edwin “Ed” Eilts died Monday, November 7, 2022 at The Bridges in Edinburg, Texas. Funeral services will be Wednesday, November 16, 2022 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Central City with Pastor Tom Lucas officiating. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 on November 16, 2022 at the church. Burial will be in the Central City Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the United Methodist Church in Central City and condolences can be sent to the family at www.soltwagnerfuneral.com. Ed was born on September 19, 1925 in Jansen, Nebraska to Henry and Bessie (Bellis) Eilts. He grew up on the family farm and started driving a tractor at ten years old, helping his Dad plow and run the threshing machine. He graduated from Endicott High School in 1944 as Salutatorian of his class. He farmed for his Dad. He also worked in the Glen-Martin Bomber Plant in the Omaha building Bag Bombers. He returned to the farm in April to farm. On May 10,1945 he married Marjorie Chancellor. The couple moved to one of his father’s farms and took over the operation. They became parents to two sons- James and Robert. In May of 1951, they took up square dancing and it became a great part of their lives by belonging to several clubs and making new friends. In August of 1957, they moved to Central City where Marjorie became a teacher in the Central City School system and Ed rented a farm. The couple joined the Methodist Church and served on many committees. Ed was an usher for more than 40 years. The couple continued to square dance and took a tour to Hawaii in 1974. Ed helped start the Nebraska Square and Bound Dance Convention held each year in September. Ed and his son Bob headed up the American Agriculture Movement in Central Nebraska. They and other farmers marched from the White House to the Capital. Marjorie died in August of 1989 from ALS. Ed farmed for one more year and then retired. In 1996 at the National Square Dance Convention in San Antonio he met Catherine Wint from Houston. They visited back and forth and in October 1997 they toured Brazil. On February 21, 1998 they were married in Houston. From this time on they spent the summer at Ed’s farm and the winter’s in Pharr, Texas where they could square dance 5 or 6 times a week. Ed took pride in his farmstead. He had a nice lawn, flowers, and nothing ever set outside. He always returned to Fairbury each Memorial Day to place flowers on the graves of his family. Ed is survived by his son- James (Maureen) Eilts of Prescott Valley, AZ; six grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Carol Eilts of Lincoln, NE. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife- Marjorie; son- Robert Eilts; brother- William Eilts; daughter in law- Linda Eilts.

Edwin "Ed" Eilts

September 19, 1925 - November 7, 2022