Edward Gfeller
1946-2024
Edward Sylvester Gfeller passed away peacefully, surrounded and loved by his family, on February 2 nd , 2024 in Oklahoma City, OK.
Ed, or Eddie as many called him, was born and raised in Junction City, KS. Growing up in the fifties, Eddie had a childhood that looked right out of the Andy Griffith Show. His mother, Helen, was a homemaker that cooked a good meal every night and his father, Syl, worked at the local furniture store. He was their only child and the apple of their eyes. As a child, Eddie was always up for new adventures with his neighborhood friends, getting into many shenanigans.
In high school, Eddie played baseball for the American Legion and played trumpet in the Junction City High School Band. He was known for his politeness, wit, and his Model T car that everyone always wanted to ride in. Ed was the definition of a good, clean cut, all-American boy.
For college, Ed first attended Kansas State University where he was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. It was here where he met his wife of over 50 years, Jamie Rothberger Gfeller, a member of the Tri-Delta sorority. He later graduated from Washburn University with a degree in Business Administration. During the Vietnam War, Ed served in the National Guard and played tuba in the army band.
Ed worked for the Santa Fe Railroad, Standard Oil, Lederle Pharmaceuticals, Bankers Life, and American Fidelity. He worked at American Fidelity for over 30 years, working his way up to Vice President of Customer Service prior to his retirement in 2010.
The best part of his life was when his sons, Erick and Chris, were born. He loved being a father to his sons, always coaching their sports teams, taking them to their bike races, and attending all of their school events. Ed always attended every activity they were in, smiling and proud, whether he was embarrassed or not. This continued on with all of his grandkids as well.
In his free time, he loved to read, listen to doo-wop music, eat candy, and watch mystery shows and The Waltons. Ed also loved going on, and enjoying, vacations with his grandchildren.
Throughout his life, Ed was always someone to count on. Big or small, he would do anything for his family. From getting medicine when someone was sick, picking up food from anywhere for anyone whenever, keeping track of every important paper, picking up cakes for birthday parties from any area of town, no matter how sketchy, and many more things. He was always a phone call away.
Ed was always a joyful person. He loved to tell jokes, be in a good mood, didn't like to complain, and served as the official family mediator. He always waved and smiled to everyone he saw, no matter if he knew them or not. To paint a picture, a "for sale" sign was put on him during a family garage sale and everyone wanted to buy him because he was so nice. That was just him. His joyful and kind spirit will be missed dearly.
Ed is preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Sylvester Gfeller. Syl passed away with a bang on the Fourth of July, so it's only fitting that Ed went out with a bang as well on the night of a 5.5 earthquake on a very special holiday – Groundhog's Day.
He is survived by his wife, Jamie Gfeller, his son and daughter-in-law, Erick and Brawna Gfeller; son and daughter-in-law, Christian and Heather Gfeller; grandson, Tristan Gfeller; grandson and wife; Kaleb and Victoria Gfeller; grandson and wife, Kaden and Cassidy Gfeller; granddaughter, Zoe Gfeller; great grandchildren, Charlotte Gfeller and new arrival coming in July 2024.
Ed would like us to celebrate his life, not mourn, at his death. We ask that everyone leave in the comments something that they admired about Ed or a short story about him. Instead of flowers, please send donations to Bellevue Health and Rehab to give back for the excellent care they provided to Ed. Donations can be addressed to Ed Gfeller's memory and sent to this address:
Bellevue Health and Rehab Center 6500 N. Portland Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73116
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 11 th 2024 at Matthews Funeral Home.