Edward Fikse, Jr. passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017 and has joined hands again with his wife, Gretta, in heaven. Born in Volga, Iowa to Rev. Edward and Elbertina Fikse, Ed was raised in a Christian home with his three brothers and four sisters. Ed developed a love for the Lord that would carry him through his whole life, and even to church camp where he spotted his future wife, Gretta. After graduating from high school in Oakland, CA, Ed joined the US Army and served during the Korean War. After returning home, he and Gretta were married and they enjoyed 58 wonderful years. Ed was the ultimate family man.  His devotion to Gretta, his six children, 11 grandkids and four great-grandkids was evident to all who knew him. “Opa” loved his family so very much and he even tolerated two granddogs. He planned every summer vacation … from Big Basin campouts to trips around the US and Europe … and he brought his entertaining stories and songs along for the ride. He was always singing “Opa songs”.
His loyal career at Nestle spanned 42 years before retiring as a Department Manager for Filling/Shipping. He was an active member of Calvary Reformed Church, singing harmony and serving the Lord where called … always with pink peppermints in his coat pocket. He also proudly served in his community as a long-time volunteer for the Ripon Fire Dept. and later with CRWRC disaster relief efforts with Gretta by his side. Once a month for over 50 years, Ed and Gretta enjoyed getting together with the “Pinochle” group (seven other couples from church and his life-long friends). During his “retirement” years, he enjoyed delivering flowers throughout the valley for Fredriks Nursery. His sense of humor brought a smile to everyone he met and he will be missed by many. Ed leaves behind, Cindy (Duane, Kevin and Flo and Brian) Hoepker, Gary (Colleen, Melissa, Tom and Sam) Fikse, Terri (Ed, Alexandra and Hannah) Beeler, Karin (Nate) Taylor, Beverly Fikse, and Kristen (Keith, Kaylah, Jordan and Kara) Jackson and Katie (Jonathan) James plus four great grandkids. Ed is also survived by his brothers, Everett and Gene and his sisters, Grace Mulder, Eleanor Scherer and Jeannette Cadmus along with many nieces and nephews and long-time friends. Arrangements have been entrusted to Deegan Funeral Chapels. Please join family and friends as they gather to celebrate Ed’s life on February 4th at 11 a.m. at Calvary Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Ed Fikse, Jr. to Bethany Home Memorials in Ripon, CA or the Ripon Fire Dept.

The Escalon (Calif.) Times
Jan. 25, 2017