Edwin Otto ‘Ed’ Wachholtz, 98, of North Platte, NE, passed away on Wednesday, November 19, 2014, at Linden Court in North Platte.

Ed was born March 23, 1916, to Frank and Elsie Gast Wachholtz at Plainview, NE where he grew up. He graduated from Plainview High School and farmed in the area before getting married.

On May 7, 1938, Ed married Bernadine Opal Gilster at Julesburg, CO. They made Nebraska their home, living first in Plainview before moving to Neiligh and then to North Platte in 1942 where Ed hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad. He began work as a Fireman and retired as an Engineer in 1978. During this time he also had a construction company, Economy Builders. Ed built homes for many years and especially enjoyed doing the finish work.

Ed was a member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Platte Valley Lodge #32 AF&AM, Tehama Shrine Temple and the North Platte Shrine Club. He was also a member and past trustee of B.P.O. Elks #985. Ed loved all sporting events and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He liked to volunteer, garden and work in his yard. Ed especially loved his grandchildren and enjoyed being around them.

After 74 years of marriage, Bernadine passed away in March, 2013. Ed then moved to Linden Court where he received good care. The family would like to thank the staff for the care and support they gave their dad.

Ed was also preceded in death by their sons, Harlan ‘Butch’, and infants, Ricky and Rocky Wachholtz; a grandson, Tim; his parents, Frank and Elsie; a sister, Mildred Peterson; and brother, Milford.

Ed is survived by his sons, Larry and wife, Vicki Wachholtz, of North Platte and Ken and wife, Judy Wachholtz, of Rancho Mirage, CA; two daughters, LaJean and husband, Val Long, of Sioux City, IA and Linda and husband, Steven Campbell, of San Diego, CA; 10 grandchildren, Bruce, Tracy, Kena Jo, Sherry, Kyle, Chris, Chad, Wendy, Tesha and Justin; 21 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and other family.

Funeral service will be 9 a.m. Saturday, November 22, 2014, at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church with Pastor Frank Fitch III officiating. Burial with Masonic Rites will follow in the North Platte Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday with family greeting friends from 5 to 7 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. The casket will be closed at the church.