Edmund Benjamin Steinkraus

Edmund Steinkraus, age 93, died of natural causes on July 22, 2014 at Morning Glory Home in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Originally from rural Sebeka, Minnesota, Edmund was born on May 2nd, 1921, in Wadena County, Minnesota. The son of William and Anna Steinkraus, Edmund was one of 10 children who grew up on the family's farm. He attended a one room country school, District 38, through the 8th grade. He and his family attended Zion Lutheran Church in North Germany Township which his father, William, helped build. Edmund loved music and began singing and playing guitar, accordion and the harmonica at a young age. He eventually had his own country band which played throughout the local area. Musical talent was a family affair that was shared by several of his brothers and sisters and for years was a traditional part of family gatherings. He played well into his 90's and led singing for various events for senior groups and family gatherings, including his 90th birthday party. "Ed" was drafted into the US Army in September of 1942 and he would not return home for four years. He joined the 1st Armored Tank Division known as Old Ironsides as a radio operator and assistant gunner. His division first fought in North Africa and then moved forward to Anzio, through Cassino, Italy and over the Alps through France and into Germany. While in the service, he continued to play music, and served as the Bugle Boy. After the war, Edmund returned home and met his future wife, Frances Catherine Tackmann. They were married on April 11, 1947 in Lake City, Minnesota. After briefly living in Lake City, they moved back to his parent’s area near Sebeka where they built their farm home. Edmund also worked in construction in addition to farming. He and Frances raised seven children and were married for 57 years. Edmund enjoyed people and will be deeply missed by family and friends who cherished his humor, kindness, music, dancing, card playing and love of getting together. Near the end of his life, he loved to sing Gene Autry songs and had everyone at his residence and during his hospital stays singing along. In his elderly years, his faith in God was very important. His Bible was filled with notes and he often prayed for his children and those he loved. Edmund is preceded in death by his wife, Frances, who died in 2004, and son, Larry, who also died in 2004. He is survived by one sister, Mildred, (Brainerd), and six children, Dianne, Merle (Diane), and Ben, all of Minneapolis, Kevin (Janice) of Redding, Ca., Carole (Cambridge, MN.) and Ron (Diane) of Sebeka. He is survived by seven grandchildren, including Measha, Joshua, Jason, Heidi, Erica, Levi and Evette and one great grandchild. In addition he is survived by numerous nephews and nieces and their children. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Sunday, July 28, 2014 at Wevley Funeral Home in Sebeka and one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 28, 2014 at Zion Lutheran Church in North Germany Township with Pastor Raymond Hendrickson officiating. Grandchildren will serve as Casketbearers. Berg Nylund American Legion Post #456 of Sebeka, MN will be present to honor Ed as one of WW2's greatest generation. Following interment at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in North Germany Township and lunch will be served at the church. Today, Edmund is hanging out in heaven and is surely singing "Back in the Saddle Again" with Gene Autry. The family wishes to thank everyone for their kindness, prayers and support.