Edward VanOverschelde

Edward was born September 25, 1942, son of Paul and Frances VanOverschelde. At birth, Edward was born with a medical condition diagnosed as Cerebral Palsy. As a result, he spent many years under the care of Dr. VanDemark, a physician at Sioux Falls Crippled Children's Hospital School (CCHS), during the time he underwent many surgeries to correct his physical ailment. Ed graduated from the 8t grade in 1958, ending his stay at CCHS. When he was not at Crippled Children's, he lived on his parents' farm at Letcher, South Dakota. Ed's early formal education was as a student at the Titus School - Butler #6
Following his time at CCHS, Ed lived on the family farm where he became a vital member of the family. helping to care for the hogs/cattle. The main job was tending to their water needs. When spring planting began, ED would assist Dad by riding in the seeder wagon, sowing oats. Ed never allowed his handicap to be used as a reason not to attempt any given task.
In a continuation of his desire to advance his education, Ed enrolled in Dakota Wesleyan University in 1974 and graduated in 1976 with an associate degree, with his study emphasis being certification in counseling for physically impaired individuals. While a student at DWU, Ed became a vocal advocate for the enactment of Americans with Disability Act (ADA). Ed was selected to be a South Dakota Delegate at a conference held in Washington, D.C. to lobby for the passage of ADA. While at DWU, Ed developed a love for traveling, as identified by his two trips to Europe. Following graduation, Ed became a resident of the Courage Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. During his time at the Courage Center, Ed's education consisted of being enrolled in "Life Skills Training" to allow him to advance to independent living. Following graduation, Ed obtained his own apartment at Seward Square, Minneapolis. Living independently, Ed secured employment as an employee at Pizza Hut, where he worked at preparing pizza, assembling the boxes to place a pizza for retail sale, and assisted in the cleaning of the facility.
Since 2020, Ed has been a resident of Martin Luther Care Center, Bloomington, Minnesota. As a resident, Ed participated in Bingo Activities, Art classes, and physical therapy workouts. Despite his physical limitations, Ed always maintained a positive outlook, maintained his infectious smile, and never complained. Of most importance was Ed's devotion to his Catholic faith. His steadfast belief in the power of prayer. On many occasions, when one would visit, Ed would encourage people to pray the Rosary.
Ed enjoyed sporting events, becoming an avid Viking and Twins fan. Ed often talked of attending the 1991 World Series game when Jack Morris pitched 10 shutout innings in Game 7 for the Minnesota Twins, allowing the Twins to win the 1991 World Series.
Ed is survived by 5 brothers and one sister: Paul (Phyllis) of Dodge City, Kansas; Gary (Shirley) of Mitchell, SD; Dennis (Linda) of Salem, SD; Rod (Connie) of Letcher. SD. Barbara of Jefferson City, Missouri ; and David(Karen) of Stanwood, Washington. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Edward, please visit our floral store.