Edward “Ed” Redmond

Edward “Ed” Thomas Redmond reunited with his beloved wife Alice in the heavenly dance on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022.
Ed was born Sept. 18, 1932 to Benjamin and Anna (Dietiker) Redmond, the 11th of 14 children. Ed grew up on a farm near Cascade, Iowa where he attended Temple Hill Catholic School Church, and MacDonald Country School.
He met the love of his life, Alice Dirks, at a dance when she asked him to be her partner for a lady’s choice. Ed and Alice were married on Sept. 25, 1952 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Anamosa.
Ed was drafted and proudly served in the Korean War from 1953-1955 where he rose to the rank of Sergeant First Class in charge of the Third Engineer Platoon in 20 days. When Ed returned home, he purchased land from his father-in-law and built the house where he and Alice raised their four children.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting mushrooms, trapping with his son, making things in his barn, playing cards and having family gatherings.
Ed and Alice did everything together from dancing, playing cards and gardening, to talking about all the people they knew, places they visited and things they’ve done. Ed loved to build things from wood like kids desks, numerous shelves, a rocking horse, and decorative garbage and “tater” bins.
After completing the eighth grade, Ed needed to continue working with more responsibilities at the family farm. He eventually took a job at Anamosa Lumber Company, working there until 1970 when he purchased the Coast to Coast Hardware store in Anamosa.
From 1970 to 1987, Ed most likely assembled, sold or fixed most of the bicycles in town.
After the Coast to Coast closed, Ed worked for Goettsch Funeral Home and M&P Plumbing before fully retiring. He was a proud hardworking handyman who could fix anything.
He was active in the community and even took a turn as President of the Chamber of Commerce. He was also actively involved in the Isaak Walton League and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.
Ed loved his coffee (black), laughing at a good joke and watching old comedies and westerns. He always had change in his pocket, and liked to sneak treats Alice would leave out for the family. Ed will be remembered for his dedication to family, daily devotion to faith, practicality, polite and friendly nature and ever-present smile. Ed enjoyed his life. Ed believed in working hard, having fun and sharing his life with others.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 am Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Anamosa. Fr. Sean Smith will officiate. Burial was at the Riverside Cemetery with Military Honors accorded by the United States Army and the Anamosa Veterans Honor Guard. Friends may called from 4-7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 19, 2022 at Goettsch Funeral Home, Anamosa, where a rosary was recited at 4 p.m. Please use the Guestbook to share your thoughts, memories, stories and condolences with Ed’s family.
Those left to cherish his memory include his four children: Rosann (Brian) Hurt, Thomas (Sonia) Redmond, Maureen (Don) Walterhouse and Denise (Gregg) Smith; 11 grandchildren Jennifer (Josh) Saxon, Kelly Starr, Mikka Mills, Tasha (Dan) Tatara, Alannah (Ryan) Swenka, Jacob Walterhouse, Chevy (Becky) Smith, Kacia (Jordan) Hughett, Indy, Nike and Navy Smith; seven great-grandchildren Noah Saxon, Bastian Starr, Lyla, Owen and Bella Smith, Aliyah and Reese Hughett; three step-grandchildren Ryan Hurt, Nate Hurt, Rhiannon Walker; and five step-great grandchildren Wyatt and Ayla Walker, Riley, Emmalynn and Dawson Hurt. He will also be remembered by his sister Barbara Martin and brother Robert Redmond and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ed was preceded in death by Alice, his beloved wife of 68 1/2 years; his parents; seven sisters Loretta Tuttle, Lucille Poppe, Mary Picray, Agnes St ill, Elizabeth Ash, Joan Deuker and Rita Chapman; four brothers John, Earl, Gene and George (Buzz); one granddaughter Jaci Mills; and one great-granddaughter Kia Smith.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.