Wallace "Ed"

E. West

Hoskins — Wallace "Ed" Edward West, 83, of Hoskins, died Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022 at Wayne Countryview Care and Rehabilitation in Wayne.

Memorial services were held Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at Brockhaus-Howser-Fillmer Funeral Home in Norfolk. John Petersen officiated. Military honors were provided by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1644, American Legion Post 16, U.S. Navy Honor Guard and American Legion Riders.

Plans are for a burial at sea.

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.

Ed began his life in Spooner, WI, on Oct. 1, 1939. He was born to Harry and Beatrice Miller West and joined his sister Patricia. Later his brother Charles arrived, completing the family. Ed attended school in Duluth, MN and graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1959. He was baptized in and a member of the St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Duluth.

Ed drove truck for his father and then in 1961 he joined the United States Navy. He had found his calling and was a good sailor and a proud American. He never wanted to see the day we would have to fight for our freedom on our home soil. After visiting many countries, he always confidently said this was the best country in the world!

In 1964 his daughter Rebecca Shannon was born. Through the years he loved her, worried about her and guided her the best he could. It was a happy day for him when she moved to Nebraska. Also bringing a smile to his face were his grandchildren Steven, Ashley and Malia. Then he became "G-Pa" to Alana, Keagan, Madelyn, Aubree, Oaklynn and Cassius. They all brought joy to his heart.

Ed and Ruth began their married life in 1973. They had 49 adventurous, wonderful years together. Traveling from port to port brought them many new friends and amazing adventures. 

Ed retired from the Navy in 1981 while stationed in Norfolk as a Navy recruiter. He guided many young men and women to the Navy and was so proud of all of them.

Ed attended Northeast Community College and graduated with three degrees in agriculture. He was also the VA representative while there.

He was also employed by the US Post Office and worked there until 1992 when he had his first heart attack. He left work there but didn't give up on life. 

Ed started his business of Rustbusters of Nebraska. He enjoyed fixing vehicles and visiting with his customers. Ed never saw a Dodge he didn't like and always had visions of how to make them more to his liking by assembling parts and pieces. He had a show truck which he took to many car shows where he usually came home with the winning trophy. He was so proud of his truck and took fourth place in a national Mopar show.

We love and miss you. Rest in peace Ed. Fair winds and following seas.

Ed is survived by his loving wife Ruth; one daughter Shannon (Jason) Bauer; one brother Chuck (Olly) West; three grandchildren Steven (Jem) Gass, Ashley (Torrell) Opara and Malia (Austin) Beaverson; six great-grandchildren Alana and Keagan Gass, Madelyn and Aubree Opara, and Oaklynn and Cassius Beaverson; three step-grandchildren Damon, Alex and Bryce Bauer; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded  in death by his parents, one sister Patricia and in-laws Pat and Mary Osborn.