Edward Wilbur Moore, age 94, and a long time resident of Hollandale, passed away on Monday, Jan. 27, 2003, at the Albert Lea Medical Center.

A funeral service to remember his life will be held at the Conservative Congregational Church in Hollandale on Saturday, Feb. 1, at 10:30 a.m. The family will greet friends beginning at 9:30 a.m. prior to the church service. Interment will take place at the Oakland Lutheran Church Cemetery. Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Edward was born to Elmer and Mary (Van Kirk) Moore on June 24, 1908, in Cabool, Mo., and was the oldest of their five children. At age 10, Edward moved with his family to Jefferson, Iowa, and in 1926 to Hollandale after his family learned of its fertile farmland. His sister, Frances, and his mother died in Hollandale during those early years. These were difficult times for the Moore family, and Edward assumed extra responsibilities to help his dad.

On Dec. 3, 1930, Edward married Blanche Arthur at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. They lived on the same property on Maple Island during their entire nearly 65-year marriage, building a new house there in 1937 for their growing family. Their union produced four children who were taught to work hard, care about others and love God.

A farmer all his life, Edward grew potatoes, onions, cabbage and sugar beets &045; and later soybeans and corn after purchasing the McMillan Ranch south of Maple Island. He also raised Angus cattle. In earlier years, he served on the boards of the Hollandale School, the Hollandale Marketing Association, and the Hollandale Conservative Congregational Church, of which he was a charter member. Edward loved God, his family and friends, his community, and farming. He was known for his kindness and generosity. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and traveling, and wintered many years in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. He lived at Brian’s Elder Care for two years before moving to St. John’s Lutheran Home in February 2002.

Edward was preceded in death by his wife, Blanche, in 1995; his mother and father in 1929 and 1965; sisters, Frances and Esther; and brother, Ralph.

Edward is survived by his brother, Wayne (Margie) Moore of Medford, Minn.; and his four children: Norma Zacharias of Rialto, Calif., Jerry (Janice) Moore of Hollandale, Barbara Block of Albert Lea, and Roger (Betty) Moore of Rochester. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

His life truly made a difference for everyone who knew him. He will be sorely missed. May God bless his memory!