Gail “Ed” Sell

Gail “Ed” Sell, 90, of Malvern, Iowa passed away peacefully on January 11, 2017 at the Bellevue Medical Center in Bellevue, Nebraska. He was born on November 29, 1926 in Glenwood, Iowa to Lowell I. and Ruth (Williams) Sell. He attended Reasoner country school and then Glenwood High School, graduating with the Class of 1944. He and his future wife were Homecoming King and Queen for the Class of 1944. His church of faith was the Hillsdale Methodist Church near Glenwood.

After graduation from high school, Ed served in the Army at Fort Ord, California, preparing to go overseas when word was received the war was over. He returned to Glenwood and started working for John Deere. He and Betty June Radford finally started to date after many years as friends. They were married at the Glenwood Christian Church on January 13, 1951. They were married 61 years when Betty passed away in June of 2012.

Two months after their marriage, Ed was called to active duty by the Air Force Reserve and headed to Topeka, Kansas. After his discharge from the military, Ed and Betty returned to Glenwood to start farming the family farm east of Glenwood. They were blessed with three children: Jack Edward, Jill Lynnette and Jeffrey Gail.

In April of 1955, Ed was in a serious tractor accident. The following November he returned to the hospital for more surgery as the break did not heal. At that time, he was told he would never walk again. Not only did he walk again, he ran. He was the fastest center fielder on the Glenwood softball team, having the honor to play with both of his sons. In 1959, the family moved to Randolph where Ed farmed for three years and in 1962 moved to Malvern where they remained to raise their children.

Ed loved the great outdoors. His passion was farming and he did it well. His gardens were huge, with plenty to share. He loved going out for lunch, fishing and going mushroom hunting”Óhe could spot a mushroom the size of a pencil eraser. He supported his children and grandchildren in all their sporting events. He was always their Number One fan.

Kind is the word most often used to describe Ed. He found good in everything and everyone. His sense of humor, quick wit and answer to “I love you” with “You better” will remain in our hearts forever.

Preceding Ed in passing were his parents, wife Betty, brothers Ercel, Dale, Vern and Duane and sisters Geneva Phelps and Maxine Roenfeldt. Survivors include his son Jack (Sandy) Sell of Dakota City, Nebraska, daughter Jill (Gary) Ford of Malvern, Iowa and son Jeff (Joni) Sell of Hastings, Iowa. Grandchildren Tracy (Brian) Ellinger of Homer, Nebraska, Tom (Deb) Ford of Omaha, Nebraska, Scott (Katy) Sell of Kansas City, Missouri, Jaime (Mike) Naig of Urbandale, Iowa, Kristin Sell (Mike Robinette) of South Sioux City, Nebraska, Jared (Katie) Sell of Waukee, Iowa and Brooke Sell of Kansas City, Missouri. Great Grandchildren Ryne and Keaton Sell; Miah Ford; Ashlyn, Ayla and Wil Sell; Mitch, Zach and Joe Naig; Khaia and Kyler Herron and Bryleigh Robinette; Addison Sell and great-great granddaughter Tinlee Sell; brother Floyd “Corky” (Mary) Sell of Omaha, Nebraska; sister-in-law Helen Sell of Tabor, Iowa and brother-in-law Rodney Radford of Glenwood, Iowa.

Interment will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to the Malvern Rescue or Hillsdale Church.

Visitation:Saturday, January 14, 2017
3:00 PM
212 S. Locust St.
Glenwood, IA51534

Service:Sunday, January 15, 2017
2:00 PM
212 S. Locust St.
Glenwood, IA51534