Edward R. “Ed” Anderson, 49, of Le Mars, Iowa passed away on Friday, November 9, 2018 passed away while piloting a friend's plane. The accident occurred near Guthrie Center, Iowa due to an unexpected medical situation. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 17, 2018 at the United Methodist Church of Le Mars in Le Mars. Rev. Merrill Muller will officiate. Burial will follow at Memorial Cemetery in Le Mars. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 16, 2018 with the family present from 5-7 p.m. and a prayer service at 7 p.m. at the Mauer-Johnson Funeral Home in Le Mars.

Edward Ralph Anderson was born March 5, 1969, in Des Moines, Iowa to Jim and Roxie (White) Anderson. He was named after both of his grandfathers. He lived most of his life in Le Mars.

Following the completion of high school at Le Mars Community, he attended WITCC in Sioux City, IA. He graduated from WITCC completing training in two careers. Following graduation he was employed by Interstates Electric & Engineering, Langel's Electric for almost 25 years, and the last five years for Thompson's Electric in Sioux City. Most of his work was covering the Le Mars and surrounding area. He made every effort to do his upmost work satisfaction for his customers. Customers enjoyed the fact that they could call him directly.

Ed has been a member of the First United Methodist Church of Le Mars and in recent years with the Merrill First United Methodist Church of Merrill, IA. Ed was a member of the IBEW Local 231 of Sioux City Electrical Workers. He was also a long time member of the Experimental Aircraft Association. As an EAA member he was also certified in the Young Eagles Program providing first flight for many youth.

Ed enjoyed many hobbies. Motorcycling included many family trips to the Black Hills. He did considerable design and customizing of his cycles. One of his favorites was a 1989 Harley Soft Tail. His customized bike was photographed for the front cover of Popular Mechanics Magazine, issued in November 1998.

In 1993 he became a licensed airplane pilot. At first he partnered in a plane ownership. In recent years he was the owner of a Challenger Light Sport. He was recognized by many as they would see him flying nightly above Le Mars with his flashing LED lights. He would rent other planes for the very long trips. He had acquired over 2300 hours flight time on more than 26 different aircraft. This past summer he passed all the exams for certification as an Aircraft Instrument Pilot. He was currently working on further certification for a Commercial License.

Ed was known as a very busy man but never hesitated to help others. No one would be left stranded along the road. He greeted everyone with a friendly smile. He had a kind heart caring for animals. Ed passed away November 9 while piloting a friend's plane in Iowa. The accident occurred due to an unexpected medical situation.

He is survived by his parents, Jim and Roxie Anderson; significant other, Christine Rasmussen; sister, Marlene Sale (Devin) and their children Bradley James, Austin Ryan and Nicole Amber from Carmel, IN.; two aunts, Arlene Engh and Norma Anderson as well as many cousins.

Ed was preceded in death by his grandparents Matilda and Ralph White and Nellie and Ed Anderson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to the Siouxland Humane Society, Sioux City, IA.