Edward Oliver Nephew (Ed), 93, originally of Fertile, MN, died on Tuesday, November 20, 2018 at McIntosh Senior Living, where he had been a resident for about eight years. Ed's loving wife of 67 years, Alice, and his daughter, Debbie, were at his side when the angels took Ed to meet Jesus.

Ed was born on September 9, 1925, to Adam and Anna (Ellegard) Nephew at home in rural Fertile. He attended Lone Oak Rural School and was confirmed at Concordia Lutheran Church. After his father's retirement, Ed farmed the Nephew family farm. On June 30, 1951, Ed married Alice Jean Jagol at Fertile. Ed and Alice lived on the farm and later Ed began "working on the railroad" for Burlington Northern for several years. Both of their daughters, Debra Ann and Connie Jean, were born in Crookston, MN. Ed, Alice and the girls moved to the Iron Range where Ed worked at US Steel. After retiring from US Steel, Ed and Alice moved "back home" to Fertile.

Just like the Cheshire cat's mischievous grin was characteristic of the Nephew boys, so was "fixing" things. Ed enjoyed tinkering with all things mechanical, loved "big boy toys", woodworking and he could mend broken toys for girls and boys. Ed loved children, and they were drawn to him because of his kind, gentle manner and jelly-belly laugh. Many a grown child recalls cozying up to Ed and singing "The Doggie in the Window" and "Shake Me, I Rattle". Ed had a multitude of talents, but his greatest gift was that of love – love of family, friends, music, life, animals (especially dogs) and Jesus. Ed was a quiet man with a big hearty laugh, quick endearing smile and compassion for all. Just being in Ed's presence was like getting an attitude adjustment…you'd leave feeling so much better about yourself and you might have a coin or two more in your pocket.

Ed enjoyed music – guitar, Dobro, harmonica, piano, and singing. He and his daughter, Connie, played music together and with other band members and friends at Rollog, local nursing homes and jam sessions. There was always fun times and music whenever family and friends got together, so no doubt his Thanksgiving 2018 was one great family reunion and quite the Heavenly Hootenanny. All dogs, not just "old" dogs, children and a thimble full of Aunt Ella Ellegard's dandelion wine were ever present throughout Ed's lifetime.

Ed is survived by his wife: Alice, McIntosh, MN; daughter: Debra (Miles) Satterfield, Angier, NC; grandson: Nathan (Barbara) Satterfield, Fuquay-Varina, NC; granddaughter: Jill (Chris) Price, Angier, NC; four great-grandsons: Tyler and Logan Reyes and Cayden and Colton Price; one sister: Lillian (George) Conant, Chisholm, MN; and several nieces and nephews. Those who preceded him in death are his parents; his daughter: Connie Jean Nephew; three brothers: Ernest, Arnold and Lloyd Nephew and four sisters: Esther Bergh, Gladys Alexander, Alice Austinson and Bertha "Pat" Duckstad.

Funeral: 11:00AM Saturday, December 1, 2018, at Concordia Lutheran Church, Fertile, MN.

Visitation: One hour before the funeral at the church.

Burial: Concordia Lutheran Cemetery, Fertile, MN.