Ediger, Marlow (1927-2018)

Newton Kansan obituary: 2018 May 5

Birth date: 1927 Oct 10

Text of obituary:

Marlow Ediger

Dr. Marlow Ediger was born to Jacob and Marie Regier Ediger on Oct. 10, 1927, on a farm near Inman. He attended and graduated from Turkey Creek Elementary School and Inman High School in McPherson County. He completed his first two years of college study in education at Bethel College before transferring to Emporia State University. Marlow taught at Sand Creek and Country Side Elementary Schools in Marion County and served as Elementary School Principal in Lincolnville.

He married Mary Duerksen of Goessel on June 2, 1957, at Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church, celebrating more than 60 years of marriage. They were blessed with three children: Bruce, Kent an wife Diana, and Diane Threlkeld and husband Joseph (who faithfully and frequently visited); and six grandchildren: Van, Sam, Henry, Harper, Jansen and Everett.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Mildred, who enouraged him and financially contributed to his education; and his brother and friend, Eldo.

Surviving are his wife, Mary; their three children; grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In his own words, Marlow shares memories of his early life: "I was blessed to have been raised in the Hoffnungsau Mennonite Church and community. My early duties and interests while growing up on a farm were to help with farm chores and tend to my 4-H projects of registered Milking Shorthorn Cattle, which were exhibited at the County Fair and at the State Fair in Hutchinson. While in high school, I received Highly Superior ratings on my baritone horn solos at the regional and district music contests. The state music contests were canceled due to national conservation efforts of World War II. I also played baritone horn solos later at church, civic events and college pep band, quitting due to handicaps in handling and playing my very favorite instrument, which I still own.

While in high school, I was a member of 4-H and honored to serve as President for one year, served as Vice President and President of the local Future Farmers of America chapter and received the State Farmer Degree from FFA, which was open to two percent of the FFA membership in Kansas.