Oct. 13, 1923 - Jan. 20, 2013

DECATUR, Ill. — Edward John Mansholt, 89, formerly of Elkhart, Ind., passed away Jan. 20, 2013, at a nursing home in Decatur, where he recently went to live.

He was born in Macoupin County, Oct. 13, 1923, to Edward Carl and Delia “Della” Mansholt.

Ed finished three years of high school, and on March 5, 1943, enlisted as a private in the U.S. Army, serving in World War II. He retired at age 65 from Caterpillar in Decatur.

He was a kind and loving friend. Ed always was a very giving and helpful person with a huge heart. If one of his friends or family needed a ride, a gallon of milk for their children or just to talk, Ed was always there; he was one of those people who would literally give the shirt off his back. Ed was full of love for people and truly cared about the wellbeing of all of his extended family and his friends.

Ed was a jack of all trades and worked part time well into his 80s.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Beverly, and both of his wives, Leah Duncan in 1984, and he sadly lost his second wife, Jean Foster, in 2006.

He is survived by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

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