Edward Matthew Plattner

EDWARD M. PLATTNER Age 89, passed away on March 21, 2012, after a brief illness. He was born on April 20, 1922, in Eveleth, Minnesota, and attended Eveleth High School. Ed met the love of his life, Betty Jane Helsel, on a blind date at Bingo's Candy Store in Biwabik, MN. They married on March 9, 1944. He served honorably in the U.S. Army in Europe during World War II. Before and after the war, Ed played lead guitar for the Louie Boben and His Men of Rhythm Band. Ed and Betty moved to Riverside, CA in 1958, where they raised their four children. Ed was the facilities engineer at Lily-Tulip/Owens-Illinois, retiring in 1972. After retirement, he enjoyed working in kitchen preparation at The Overtime Bar and Grill, where he was known to patrons as "Easy Ed." For many years, Ed assisted Betty with the operation of the Riverside Tour Club, leading groups of seniors on extended bus trips to locations such as Santa Fe, NM; Hearst Castle; and Las Vegas and Laughlin, NV. After moving to Plymouth Tower in 2005, Ed enjoyed his daily morning walks to Simple Simon's, where he could be seen reading his newspaper over a cup of coffee and discussing politics. He was an avid sports fan with no particular allegiance to any one team. Ed also took pleasure in listening to 40s music and jazz, particularly Dave Brubeck and John Coltrane. Ed is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Betty Plattner; daughter Sharon Plattner, of Rubidoux, CA; son, Mike Plattner and wife Christine, of Riverside, CA; son, Bradley Plattner and wife Sandy, of Riverside, CA; and daughter Cynthia Plattner and spouse Lynn Dee Johnson, of Willits, CA. He also leaves behind five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his great-grandson, David. We will miss his grinning face and warm hugs. A memorial service with military honors will be held Friday, April 6 at 9:45 A.M. at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA. Meet at 9:30 A.M. at Staging Area #4. All are invited. Following the military service, please join us for a celebration of Ed's life, 2-4 P.M., at Plymouth Tower, 3401 Lemon St., Riverside, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association , 1700 Iowa Avenue, Suite 240, Riverside, CA 92507; http://www.heart.org/.