Edward H. Atkins age 88 of Walnut Grove passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, January 3, 2008. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Olaf Lutheran Church south of Walnut Grove. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church on Monday. Interment is in the church cemetery. The Walnut Grove Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Edward Atkins was born February 12, 1919 in Washington Township, Buena Vista County, Iowa to Will and Mary (Stein) Atkins. He was baptized on October 25, 1925 at St. Barnabas Church in Slayton. Edward was united in marriage to Evelyn Weis on December 29, 1944. Edward was confirmed along with his wife on May 1, 1949 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in rural Walnut Grove. Together the couple lived in Holly Township in Murray County where they farmed until 1991. When they retired, they moved to a small acreage near Walnut Grove, where they resided since.

Edward was a member of St Olaf Lutheran Church where he was active on the church council and served as an usher. He also was a member of several card clubs. Edward loved telling stories about the “old days.” He enjoyed farming, gardening and fishing with his grandchildren. His family was his greatest joy and he loved spending time with them; especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Edward is survived by his daughter Linda and special son-in-law Roger Engler of rural Walnut Grove and son Wayne Atkins of Redwood Falls; three grandchildren: Sherri (Jay) Hupp of Mankato, Rick (Lori) Atkins of Rapid City and Jamie (Kim) Atkins of Cottage Grove; great grandchildren: Cole and Claire Hupp, Ben and Chris Atkins and Gabe, Dominic and Noah Atkins. He is also survived by brother Harry (Patty) of Lake Wilson, sisters: Annie Hegwood of California and Mary Swenhaugen of Tracy; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Evelyn, siblings: Bill Atkins, Jennie Bucholz, John Atkins, Tina Peterson, Nellie Atkins, Grace Schottenbauer and Elsye Swenhaugen.