Edward R. Felauer

1942 - 2016

Felauer, Edward R.

Edward "Ralph" Felauer died unexpectedly April 4, 2016 while he was doing what he loved, working in the barn. Ed was born on November 9, 1942 to Norman and Norma (Yonke) Felauer in Appleton, WI. He graduated from Appleton High School in 1961 where he was very proud of his success on the football field, earning all state honors all 3 years. After graduation, he played semi-professional football for a short time with the Manitowoc Chiefs. He entered the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1963. This is where Ed found his love of cooking; many times still thinking he was cooking for an army. In 1965 he married Bonnie Davidson and together they raised 4 daughters.

Despite knowing next to nothing about farming, he and Bonnie bought a small farm in 1967 where they lived until their deaths in 2016. Because of some kind neighbors and the help of his father, he went on to be "successful" as a small hobby farmer. During his time on the farm he raised steers, sheep, pigs, chickens, and turkeys. He never did anything small, raising 100 turkeys at a time, and 100 calves every spring for many years.

He was a truck driver for Foreway Express, retiring in 1995 after 32 years. After retirement, he drove school bus for Hortonville school district. After his second retirement, he spent his days farming, visiting neighbors and friends, and indulging in his newfound love of reading historical novels.

Ed started many wonderful traditions that continue today with his grandchildren.

He passed his love for farming to his daughters when he got them involved in 4-H. They went on to show cattle and unfortunately; despite all his wishes, they became very successful in their sheep projects. His grandchildren are now carrying on this tradition as successful showman at local and state level. The county fair became the high point of his summer for many years as he used it as an opportunity to "wow" friends and family alike with his cooking prowess with his infamous pizza on the grill.

Ed wanted to try cooking maple syrup, so he asked around and found out where to get the supplies, what trees to tap, and what to do…today, the grandchildren look forward to spring and tapping trees!

Ed loved to cook and would share not only recipes and cooking tips but also food with everyone. His daughter's friends can attest to the fact that many times they left the farm with frozen meat, maple syrup, or even a well-cooked meal!

He also loved to play Sheepshead and Cribbage, teaching all of his daughters and grandchildren how to play.

Ed is survived by his daughters Ann Felauer of Baltimore,MD; Lisa (Doug) Earll and Amy (Mark) Bedard both of Hortonville. He was known as Bumpa toJustin, Mitchell, and Brandon Earll, and Megan Bedard. He is further survived by his brother Dave (Nancy) Felauer, Prescott Valley, AZ; sister-in-law Connie Felauer, Appleton; brother-in-law Ron (Nancy) Davidson, Forest Junction: sisters-in-law Sandy (Glenn) Kasten Menasha; Lorna (Les) Kasten, Appleton, in addition to numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Bonnie who passed only 5 ½ weeks ago, his daughter Lynn Greger, and his brother Gerald Felauer.

The girls would like to thank all the neighbors for their friendship and support of Ed and Bonnie over the years.

A Christian Funeral for Ed will be held at 11a.m. on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church (W7254 School Road) Greenville, with Rev. Joel Heckendorf officiating. A visitation for Ed will be held at the church on Friday, April 8, 2016, from 4-7 p.m., and on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Full Military Honors will be held immediately following the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church, Greenville.