Edgar L Tegtmeier

Edgar Loren Tegtmeier, age 96, was welcomed into the presence of his Savior on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, while residing at Ramsey Village Care Center in Des Moines, Iowa. Surrounded by God’s faithfulness throughout his life, Ed finished his earthly race and entered the joy of his salvation.

Ed was born on June 17, 1929, in DeWitt, Nebraska, the youngest of three children born to Martin and Edna Tegtmeier. From an early age, Ed demonstrated a quiet strength, integrity, and a love for learning that would mark his entire life.

He attended the University of Nebraska, where he met the love of his life, Majorie “Midge” Gade. They were married in 1951 and shared 62 devoted years together. Shortly after their wedding, Ed served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Together, Ed and Midge built a life centered on faith, family, and service, raising three children: Debbie, Mark, and David.

Ed enjoyed a long and successful career as a band director, and through the years he and Midge lived in several communities, spending the majority of their life together in Hastings, Nebraska, (Hastings High School), and Des Moines, Iowa, (Des Moines Christian School). Music was both a profession and a joy for Ed, and it remained a lifelong source of delight.

In mid-life, Ed sensed a deeper calling from God to devote himself more fully to the study of Scripture and to missions. He attended Omaha Lutheran Bible School, and later he and Midge served overseas with Youth With A Mission, faithfully answering God’s call to share the Gospel.

After moving to Des Moines, Ed became actively involved in Promise Keepers, Cross Trainers, Bible studies, and numerous church ministries. He was a man devoted to prayer, to growing in the knowledge of God’s Word, to serving as an elder in several churches, and to encouraging others—especially younger men—to walk faithfully with Christ.

Ed will be remembered for his gentle and kind spirit, his deep love for Jesus, his devotion to his wife and family, and his godly character. He was a man of integrity, servanthood, and loyalty. He enjoyed music, reading, family gatherings, meals with friends, and Christian fellowship. Above all, his greatest legacy is the faith he shared and faithfully modeled for his family and friends.

Ed was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Midge. He is survived by his children: Debbie (Al) Klaver, Mark (Mary Beth) Tegtmeier, and David (Mitzi) Tegtmeier; grandchildren: Daniel (Allison) Klaver, John (Aimee) Tegtmeier, Christine (Bobby) Longmire, Lisa (Matt) Youngstrand, Luke Tegtmeier, Amy (Graeme) Ingham, Jacob (Fenny) Tegtmeier, Rebekah Tegtmeier (Steve Hudson), and Emma Barber; and ten cherished great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service celebrating Ed’s life and faith will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 3900 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines, Iowa. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. and continue until the service. A luncheon will follow.

A second visitation will be held on Monday, March 2, 2026, from 1:00–1:30 p.m. at Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery in Lincoln, Nebraska. A brief service and time of fellowship will follow at 1:30 p.m., with interment at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church or World Mission Prayer League.