Edward Eilertson, formerly of Kiester, died Saturday, June 9, 2007, at St. John&8217;s Lutheran Home in Albert Lea after an extended illness. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Trinity Lutheran Church in rural Kiester. The Rev. Chris Fiske will officiate and burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be today from 4 to 6 p.m. at Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Bricelyn and one hour prior to the service at the church.

Edward John Eilertson was born Oct. 20, 1914, in rural Kiester, the son of Thomas and Julia (Jelle) Eilertson. He was baptized and confirmed in Trinity Lutheran Church, Eden Prairie Township, Iowa and was a life-long member of this congregation. He served on the church council and in other organizations and boards as well. On June 21, 1942, Edward was united in marriage with Hermoine Hagen in Page, N.D. Their children are Keith and his wife, Carolyn of Austin, and Elsmary and her husband Lewis French of Georgetown, Texas.

They were also blessed with five grandchildren, Lesley French, David French, Eric Eilertson and wife Lucy, Meredith Eilertson and Kirsten Eilertson. Edward graduated from Waldorf College and also attended the University of Minnesota. He was a dedicated farmer who also served on the Kiester Co-op Elevator board and Faribault FmHA county committee. He was also a board member and chairman of the board of the First National Bank of Kiester for many years until his retirement.

Edward was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Hermoine, on Jan. 1, 2006 and by his parents, his brother, LaMar Eilertson, and his sisters, Agnes Jacobson, Olina Gudal, Evangeline Flo and Viola Rye.

Surviving him are his children and grandchildren; his brother and sister-in-law: Jerald and Mardelle Eilertson of Kiester; and his sister, Violet Iverson, currently residing in Albert Lea.