Edward McLaughlin
Edward Thomas McLaughlin, son of John and Margaret (Gessert) McLaughlin was born on April 8, 1944, in Walnut, Iowa. He was baptized, confirmed and raised in the Catholic Faith. He graduated from Walnut Community School with the class of 1962.
After high school, Ed went to work with his brother, Bob, at the Standard Gas Station in Harlan, where he was a mechanic and tire specialist. It was while working here that he met Kristine Andersen, his future wife. They were united in marriage on Feb 26, 1965, having two ceremonies, one at the First Baptist Church in Harlan and another at St. Michael’s Catholic Church also in Harlan. They were blessed with four children: Edward, Wade, Angela and Jennifer.
Not long after they were married, Ed and Kris moved to Atlantic, Iowa, where Ed drove a semi-truck for the Atlantic Coca-Cola bottling company. Ed made a career change and began working for the Harlan Co-op Elevator. This is where Ed found his passion in the agriculture business. He went to Iowa State University and received his agronomy certification. He worked hard to provide for his family. He loved his work helping farmers, no matter the time of day. Over the years he continued his work and raised his family in the communities of Oakland, Iowa; Hartley, Iowa; Woodbine, Iowa; and ultimately Oakland, Nebraska; where they settled and retired.
Family meant the world to Ed. He loved to surprise his kids with fun trips and special vacations. He enjoyed taking Kris and the kids to join their extended family for holidays and long weekends at the Platte River. One of his greatest joys was becoming a grandpa and great grandpa. He loved his grandkids fiercely, enjoyed spending time with them, joking and pranking and was very proud of each one of them. In addition to spending time with his wife and family, he enjoyed being outdoors-playing golf, bowling, horseshoes, barbecuing, making huge breakfasts, taking care of his yard-and simple things like relaxing on the back patio, visiting with family and friends, and going for drives in the country.
He passed away on Monday, June 29, 2026, at Methodist Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska, attaining the age of eight-two years, two months and twenty-one days. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Kristine in 2017; siblings, Bob McLaughlin, Red McLaughlin, Ray McLaughlin, Virginia Anderson, Maxine Cunningham, Sharon Sorrells and Francis McLaughlin; sister-in-law Cathy McLaughlin and brothers-in-law Mick Anderson and Bill Cunningham.
He is survived by his children, Ed (Amy) McLaughlin of Bellevue, NE, Wade (Ronda) McLaughlin of Oakland, IA, Angie (Kenny) Ferdinand of Fremont, NE, Jennifer (Chris) Ferdinand of Fremont, NE; 11 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; siblings, Arlene (Ed) Andersen of Rochester, MN, Marge (Wade) Crow of Omaha, NE, Joe (Mary) McLaughlin of Deerton, MI; sister-in-law Jan McLaughlin of Omaha, NE and brother-in-law Norm Sorrells of Walnut, IA; other relatives and many friends.
An 11:00 AM Funeral Service was officiated by Rev. Wayne Gubbels on Monday, July 6, 2026 at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa. Shanda Ailts, Christopher McLaughlin, Brett McLaughlin, Alex McLaughlin, Ronald McLaughlin, Zach McLaughlin, Derek Mclaughlin, Kaden Ferdinand, Keaira Ferdinand, Devin Ferdinand, Kristine Ferdinand, Landon Ailts, Forest McLaughlin, Brantley McLaughlin, Colt McLaughlin, Logan Ailts, and Lane Ailts served as honorary pallbearers. A burial will be held at a later date at Harlan Cemetery in Harlan, Iowa.
Pauley Jones Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
