Edwin Arthur Schmeeckle, 70, of Gothenburg, NE, died October 27, 2013 at Hilltop Estates in Gothenburg, NE.

He was born September 7, 1943 in, Lexington, NE, son of Clarence and Marcia (Fleharty) Schmeeckle.

Ed Joined the U.S. Air Force on April 2, 1964, and was honorable discharged with the rank of Sergeant on April 1, 1968.

On September 15, 1969, Ed married Connie Jensen in Reno, Nevada. This union was blessed with two sons, John D. and Alan P.

In 1970 Ed opened the Conoco station which he ran until 1973. In 1973 he opened his own truck and trailer sales business, Schmeeckle’s Repair. In the 1980’s Gothenburg Truck and Equipment was created and is currently under T.E.S. for Truck and Equipment Sales.

Ed was an active member of the NHRA for many years, and was known to all his racing friends as Fast Ed. He was able to make his last run on September 7, 2013.

Surviving are wife, Connie Schmeeckle of Gothenburg, NE; sons, John D. (Jill) Schmeeckle, and Alan P. (Lynette) Schmeeckle, both of Gothenburg, NE; brothers, Gary Schmeeckle of Powell, WY; Carl (June) Schmeeckle of Gothenburg, NE; six grandchildren, and a host of extended family and friends.

Edwin was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Marcia Schmeeckle; and brother, Dale Schmeeckle.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2013, 1:00 PM- 8:00 PM at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, NE, with the family present from 5-8 PM, and Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013, 9:00 AM- 3:00 PM.

Services will be held on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013, 11:00 AM, at American Lutheran Church, 1512 Avenue G, Gothenburg, NE, with Pastor Tom Wilson and Lonna Grabenstein PMA, officiating.

Interment will take place at a later date, in the Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, NE.

Memorials may be given to the Racers for Christ or Donor’s Choice. To sign the online guest book, go to www.blasestrauser.com.