Edgar “Ed” Anton Vermeer, 82, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, formerly of Brandon, South Dakota, passed away on Oct. 29, 2024, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, surrounded by family.
Visitation was 5-7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, at Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon. Memorial services were at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, at Spirit of Truth Lutheran Church, Brandon. Inurnment followed at Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne.
Edgar “Ed” Anton Vermeer was born on Sept. 26, 1942, to Leonard and Dorothy (Bernards) Vermeer in Luverne, Minnesota, and was raised on the family farm. He was baptized on Nov. 1, 1942, at Steen Reformed Church and confessed his faith as a young adult at American Reformed Church in Luverne. Ed attended school in Luverne, Minnesota, graduating in 1961. He joined the Army National Guard in 1960 and served until 1964.
On Dec. 5, 1964, Ed married Lila Beyer at St. John’s Lutheran in Luverne, Minnesota. Together they shared almost 60 years of marriage and were blessed with three children. Ed spent many years farming, worked at A.R. Wood in Luverne, Minnesota, and retired from Luverne Truck Equipment in Brandon, South Dakota. While living in Luverne, he was a member of First Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder and deacon. Later in Brandon, he was a member of Faith United Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon and spent many years on the building and grounds committee. Most recently, Ed was a member of Spirit of Truth Lutheran Church in Brandon, South Dakota.
Ed enjoyed being out in nature, feeding the birds, tending to his flowers, fishing, camping, and cooking with a Dutch oven. He found a great amount of joy playing Santa during the holidays, where he spread laughter and cheer to residences at nursing homes. Above all, Ed cherished time spent with family and friends, creating memories that will be treasured forever.
Ed never let a moment pass without adding his signature touch of fun. With a laugh and his favorite saying, “Just gotta have some fun,” he lifted everyone around him. His joy was infectious, his laughter unforgettable, and his love for life unwavering. Ed’s light will continue to shine through the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know him.
Ed is survived by his wife, Lila; daughters Lisa (Tom) Johnson and Amy (Mike) Maher; and grandchildren Makayla Maher, Kailey (Ethan) Osmundson, Izabella Maher, Chase Maher, and Malia Johnson; his siblings, Anna Huiskes, Mary (Dave) Harris, Burt (LeeAnn) Vermeer, Jane (Gene) VanderWolde, John (Mary) Vermeer, and Barb Nankivel; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Ed is preceded in death by his son, Douglas Vermeer; grandson Carter Johnson; his parents, Leonard and Dorothy (Bernards) Vermeer; and sister Marty Vermeer.
Online condolences at www.heartlandfunerals.com
