Edward “Ed” P. Haldemann, age 90 of Beaver Dam, passed away on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at Hillside Manor.
Ed was born on September 3, 1926 in Hustisford, the son of Christian and Rosa (Eicher) Haldemann. He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1945-47. As part of the 158th Regimental Combat Team, Ed was stationed in the Philippines during World War II. During his service, he earned an Expert Infantry badge, M-1 Sharpshooter badge, Asian Pacific Theatre ribbon and Rifleman 745 badge. Ed was united in marriage to Evelyn Hein on June 19, 1948 at FirstPresbyterian Church in Cambria; she preceded him in death on August 25, 1976. On July 21, 1991, he was married to Delores (Frank) Wichinski in Beaver Dam. For the last 20 years, Ed spent his winters in Mission, TX where he liked to play shuffleboard and cards. In April 2015, Ed was honored to travel to Washington DC with the Stars & Stripes Honor Flight.
Ed worked as a self-employed mechanic and enjoyed restoring cars. He had a creative knack for inventing the necessary components to complete restorations. In his earlier years, he ice raced on the Beaver Dam River. He also enjoyed helping his son, Dennis, pursue his love with racing. In addition to his 1949 Cadillac Convertible, Ed was very proud of his 1934 Pontiac Coupe with rumble seats that is displayed in a museum in Pontiac, IL. He was a member of the Badger Antique Auto Club, Cadillac LaSalle Club, John E. Miller American Legion Post 146 and St. Stephen’s Ev. Lutheran Church. He also served as the Friesland Town Constable and volunteered with the Friesland Fire Department, serving as Fire Chief for a time.
Ed is survived by his wife, Delores of Beaver Dam; his children, Bev (Rod) Anderson of Beaver Dam and Al (Barb) Haldemann of Cambria; daughter-in-law, Shirley Haldemann of Randolph; step-children, Ronald Wichinski (Sharon Derke) of Waukesha, Judy (Charles) Wellnitz of Waukesha, Cheryl (Robert) Lindquist of Oconomowoc, Nancy Linck of Pewaukee and Dennis (Deb) Wichinski of Beaver Dam; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Evelyn; his son, Dennis; step-son, Reuben “Sparky” Wichinski Jr.; step-son-in-law, Ken Bennett; and siblings, Oscar, Otto (Ruth), Gertrude (Arnold), Rose (Archie), Della (Ray) and Edgar.
Visitation for Ed will be held on Friday, March 24, 2017 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd., Beaver Dam. Post 146 Legion members are invited to pay their respects with a walk-through at 6:00 p.m.
Visitation will also be held on Saturday, March 25, 2017 at St. Stephen’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 300 West St., Beaver Dam from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Philip Heyer will officiate. Following a luncheon, burial will take place at Friesland Cemetery with graveside military honors.
Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family. You may send private online condolences or sign the family’s guest book at www.cstonefs.com
