Eddie C. Lettenmaier

Eddie C. Lettenmaier "Ed," beloved husband, brother, uncle and friend, died unexpectedly Thursday, Dec. 24, 2015, from a hypoglycemic episode related to diabetes, while working on the spring at his home.

Raised at Southwick, Ed was the youngest of three children born to Johnie and Lula Lettenmaier. He grew up on the family ranch, where he loved his family, horses, cars and cows. He made up his mind to be a cowboy, riding a pet steer after cows when horses were not available, breaking his first mule colt and loving his first pair of boots more than one can imagine.

Ed went to work for Gray Buick when he was 17 and worked as a wash boy until Bill O'Kelly, the man Ed considered his mentor, encouraged him to become a mechanic. He left the dealership to join the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War in l967 and did a tour plus an additional six months of serving his country before his honorable discharge in l969. Ed returned to his mechanic position immediately after coming home and worked for the "Buick Garage" another 38 years. He was highly regarded for his skills; however, Ed felt the friendships he made during those years were the most important part of his career.

He married Nikki Curtis on July 3, l997, and they enjoyed a wonderful life full of family, good friends and more horses. Ed continued to run cows with his brother, Fred, at Southwick until he retired. He then was able to become a full-time cowboy, taking the range rider job for the Mason Butte Cattle Association. While Ed continued to be involved at the ranch, this was perhaps the happiest time of his life, as he and Nikki had the chance to focus on training good horses, great cow dogs and gathering the best gear. Ed was accomplished in leather braiding and made beautiful tack that they used from June to November on the range. Ed lived life to the fullest and refused to let his diabetes define him. He was an amazing, humble man who influenced the lives of people close to him more than he ever knew.

Ed is survived by his wife, Nikki; his brother, Fred (Betty); his mother-in-law, Patricia Smith; brother-in-law, Todd Curtis; sister-in-law, Tamara Curtis; nephews Lucas Curtis (Katie) and Jeff Brunelle; and nieces Angie Bailey (Brad), Darlene Heath (Gordy) and Jeanette Weidig. There are also other extended family members, too many to acknowledge, who have been touched by Ed being part of their lives.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Rosalie.

A memorial service for Ed will be held at 1 p.m. Jan. 9 at Vassar-Rawls Funeral Home.