Obituary of Edward J. Ehler

Parkston – Edward J. Ehler, 96, went to his heavenly home Sunday, May 18, 2025 at Avera Bormann Manor.  Funeral service will be Thursday, May 22 at 10:30 am, with visitation beginning at 9:30 am, at Faith Lutheran Church in Parkston.  Arrangements by Koehn Bros. Funeral Home in Parkston.

Ed was born May 6, 1929 to Edward Richard and Leona (Hamann) Ehler.  He grew up in Schleswig, IA and graduated from Schleswig High School.  He was united in marriage to Rheta Nahnsen on June 4, 1950 in Schleswig.  The couple moved to Tripp, SD in 1952 where they owned and operated the Tripp newspaper and Ed served as city finance officer.  They moved to Parkston, SD in 1969 where they purchased the Parkston Advance.  In 1985, he repurchased the Tripp Star Ledger and has continued to operate both papers since. He also was a founding member of The Dakota Action Rocket and Rocket Printing.  Ed enjoyed golfing and bowling and was a member of the Lions Club, Commercial Club and Faith Lutheran Church where he served as treasurer and financial secretary.

Grateful for having shared his life are his 4 children:  Linn (Kevin) Ehler-Koontz of Coppell, TX; Jeri Ehler of Parkston; Scott (Phyllis) Ehler of Parkston; and Marc (Kim) Ehler of Parkston; 4 grandchildren, Sean, Aaron, Kacee and Matthew; a niece; a nephew; a great-niece and 2 great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Rheta; a daughter in infancy, Mary Sue; in-laws, Leo and Martha Nahnsen; and a brother-in-law, Gordon Nahnsen.