Obituary

Henry Milford Ediger

Obituary

Henry Milford Ediger, 88, passed away on Tuesday (Feb. 21, 2017) at Newton Presbyterian Manor and heaven gained one very stubborn Dutchman. He was born to Henry Jacob and Lena (Voth) Ediger in Newton. He grew up on the family farm on Dutch Avenue, outside of Buhler. He graduated from Newton High School in 1947.

Milford married Donna Kluge on Feb. 25, 1951, in Newton. They were together 55 years until her death in 2006. He said that God made him a steward of the land, so he farmed and gardened for 70 years. He supplemented farming in the 1960s by working second shift as a welder at Full-Vision, Inc. and then Excel Industries. He was a member of the Salem United Methodist Church in Newton.

He enjoyed old trucks, collecting petroleum memorabilia and as a tinkerer, could fix most anything. Possessing a wonderful and dry sense of humor, he loved visiting with family, friends and strangers. He also cared for animals and adopted countless dogs and cats while living on his farm South of Peabody.

Milford's life was forever changed when he was attacked in his farm house and robbed the night of Jan. 31, 2015. He was targeted by three men that left him bound and beaten. His arms and hands were permanently disabled, forcing him from the home and life he loved. He was a friend and neighbor to so many and their continued visits would encourage him for the remainder of his life.

He is survived by his daughters, Rebecca of Wichita and Melinda (Steve) Lang of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Craig (Heather) Lang of Burrton and Abby (Mark) Reed of Hutchinson; great-grandchildren, Wallace and Lily Lang of Burrton, and Nathan and Tyler Reed of Hutchinson; and his son, Russell Ediger and partner Jorge Menendez of Overland Park. He was also blessed with loving nieces and nephews, Evy (Chester) Hartman, Betty Ediger and Ruby Stucky of Newton, Pete (Pat) Ediger of Goessel, Cliff (Diana) Ediger of Hillsboro, Vern (Sally) Ediger and Donna (Mike) Nightengale of Halstead, Janet Ediger of Burrton, Cathy McGuire and Jennifer (Emery) Westerman of Nashville, Bill (Anne) McGuire of Mora, New Mexico, and John (Tina) McGuire of Claflin; as well as dear friends and neighbors, Beverly Rosine and the Marvin Harms family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Donna; an infant sister, Martha; brothers, Edward H. Ediger and Marvin H. Ediger; and a nephew, Arthur D. Ediger.

The family would like to thank each and every staff member of Newton Presbyterian Manor for their loving care of Milford these past two years. They appreciate Harry Hynes Hospice caregivers for their added compassion in his final weeks. At his request, there will be no funeral service or visitation. At a later date, family and friends will gather for a private interment at Greenwood Cemetery in Newton.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Salem United Methodist Church, 115 Old Main Street, Newton, KS 67114-3750 or Caring Hands Humane Society, 1400 SE Third St., Newton, KS 67114-4100.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent c/o Baker Funeral Home, 6100 E. Central, Suite 203, Wichita, KS 67208.