Edwin William Ploog

Funeral services will begin at 10:00 am on Monday, January 12, 2026 at the Holland-Coble Funeral Home in What Cheer. Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2026 from 4:00 pm–7:00 pm. Burial will be held privately in Sixteen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Ed requested that memorials be designated to the American Legion Post #319 in Keswick or the What Cheer Opera House.

Edwin "Ed" William Ploog, 84 of Keswick, Iowa passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 7, 2026, at Keokuk County Hospital & Clinics in Sigourney, Iowa. Ed was born November 4, 1941, and arrived in this world at the Rock Island Train Depot in Thornburg, Iowa delivered by Drs. Harlan and Maxwell. He was the son of Edwin Detlef Ploog and Mildred Ione (Kincaid) Ploog, and he grew up in the closeknit rhythm of a railroad community that shaped much of who he became. Ed graduated with the Tri-County High School Class of 1961 and was a proud member of the Royal Neighbors of America. He married Carlyn Krumm and they later parted ways. He spent his early years with the Rock Island Railroad, later worked for Kingsberry Homes, and eventually retired after twenty dedicated years at the University of Iowa. Ed was the proud "dad" to his three beloved fur babies Patches, Queenie, and Socks and the equally proud owner of his cherished 1938 Chevy Coupe, affectionately known as Nellie Bell after his aunt, the original owner.

A man of simple joys and deep passions, Ed loved all things John Deere, bluegrass music, and dancing, the very thing that brought Karen into his life, his "little woman" and partner in so many adventures. His dancing lessons in 1972 served him well, and ballroom dancing remained his favorite. He especially cherished his time camping at the Bluegrass Festival in Bloomfield, where so many of his favorite memories were made.

Ed carried a vast knowledge of the railroad and could often be found outdoors in his straw hat and white button-up shirt, tending his garden or cruising on his Cub Cadet with a wagon full of wood, or a niece or nephew catching a ride. He was known far and wide for his famous angel food cakes and homemade noodles, and for countless years he slipped on a red suit to listen to Christmas wishes from children and adults alike. His man cave was his sanctuary, always stocked with a cold barley pop in a frosted mug for anyone who stopped by. Ed was an exceptional cook and a master of canning, sauerkraut, ketchup, you name it, and he even bottled his own pop, beer, and wine. He loved his Chevy Suburban and made many trips back and forth to Texas with Karen, wintering at Lazy Palms Ranch and building friendships that lasted a lifetime.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Donna Coble; and a nephew, Daryl Coble.

He is survived by Karen Scharper; a niece, Carolyn (Jeff) Cuvar; a nephew, Kenneth Coble; and many other relatives and friends who will forever carry his stories, his laughter, and his generous spirit.

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