Edward Eugene Wishmeyer

Edward E. Wishmeyer passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 30, 2025, in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The eldest son of Gerald and Audree Wishmeyer, Edward was born in Bethlehem, Iowa.

Edward was married to his high school sweetheart; together they shared nearly 58 years of marriage. Four children were born to this union, two daughters and two sons. Over time, the family was blessed with the addition of nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.  Edward lived a purposeful and rich life. Edward initially pursued farming, following in the family livelihood. 

In 1957, Edward joined the US Army and served his time in the military with honor. Edward was grateful for the time, locations and experiences he spent in the military. He served in South Korea, Ft. Bliss, WSMR, Germany, as well as other posts. Edward was honored to have been selected to be in the first cohort of military students that the US Army sent to NMSU. The various military relocation orders gave the family opportunities to travel, see and experience other cultures, meet new people and make lifelong friends along the way.

Edward played football at Corydon High School; he coached football for his sons' teams and he enjoyed being a spectator at football games. The Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys were his favorite NFL teams and he attended many NFL and NMSU Aggie football games. Edward loved to tailgate before the games and he shared his love of football with his family and friends. Edward's other passions included: railroad trains, airplanes (he piloted a glider on his 50th birthday), books, as he was an avid reader, history, particularly military history, antique tractors, vintage automobiles, travel, cats, music, (he made a phonograph record while in high school), fine wines, and a good Scotch. Edward contemplated becoming a wine master in retirement, but found more enjoyment in tasting wines and purchasing a fine bottle of wine than making the wine.

In 1971, Edward was honorably discharged from the US Army and pursued his degrees from NMSU. He graduated in May 1973 with an Associates of Science in Engineering Technology, Meritorious Graduate, and with Honors, a Bachelors of Science in Engineering Technology. Shortly after graduation he went to work for the St. Paul Fire & Marine Company as a Safety Engineer. During his career Edward became a Certified Safety Professional (CSP), an Associate in Risk Management (ARM), and an Associate in Loss Control Management (ALCM). Edward enjoyed a successful career with both the St. Paul and the CNA Insurance companies. In 2000, Edward and his beloved wife, Eloise, returned to the Southwest to fulfill their retirement dream of building a cabin on their property in the Sacramento mountains east of Cloudcroft. Spending time at the cabin in retirement, watching the wildlife, feeding the hummingbirds and sitting out on the deckenjoying the view, was a place of respite for Edward.

Left to cherish the memories of Edward are, daughter, Twyla Jean Anderson (John "JB"), daughter, Jennifer Lynn Jany (Dave), son, Royce E. Wishmeyer (Kristi), grandchildren, Scott Anderson, M. Bruce Anderson, Jared Prunty, Ashley Prunty, Spring Wishmeyer, Byron Wishmeyer, Brittany Brooks, Kendall Dax Wishmeyer, and Ritanja Wishmeyer Asch.

Edward is preceded in death by his beloved wife Eloise, parents, Audree and Gerald Wishmeyer, son, David F. Wishmeyer, brothers, Larry Dean Wishmeyer, Ralph Wishmeyer, Keith Wishmeyer, and sister, Cathy Suazo.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Heritage Assisted Living, Mesilla Valley Hospice and Palliative Care team and Dr. Hector Lerma for their loving care of Edward; their compassion was exemplary.

A private gathering at the family cabin near Cloudcroft, New Mexico will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please plant a tree in memory of Edward; he wanted future generations to enjoy the trees, peace, beauty and wildlife of the mountains and forest.