Edgar John Ficken

WILLIAMSBURG- Edgar Ficken, age 91, passed away on Saturday, October 18, 2025 surrounded by his family, at Highland Ridge Care Center, Williamsburg.

Edgar John Ficken was born July 26, 1934, at home in York Township, Iowa County, Iowa; the son of William and Mary ‘Mamie’ (Steinke) Ficken. He was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church on August 9, 1934. Edgar attended country school in York Township, St. Paul Lutheran School, and graduated from Williamsburg High School in 1952. He was employed by Winborn Hatchery and then attended DeVry Technical Institute in Chicago, earning a degree in 1954 as a radio television technician. He worked for Glandorf Mayberry Electric and then Reader Radio and TV in Cedar Rapids.

Edgar was married to Sandra Lee Meyer on February 23, 1957. Together they established and operated Ed’s Radio and TV in Williamsburg from 1958-1984. Later in life their love for the land brought them back to farming and actively restoring native prairie and wildflowers on their property. Edgar rounded out his career working for Hagen’s TV in Iowa City and Ross’s Appliance in Belle Plaine.

Edgar was actively involved in his community and church, serving as a charter member of the JayCees, president and member of the Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce, 27 years as a Fire Department member including three years as chief, Williamsburg Zoning Board, and Iowa County Historical Society. Edgar also was involved in St. Paul Lutheran Church Choir, Walther League, Finance Committee, Trustees, Hilltoppers, and served many years as chairman of the congregation.

Edgar is survived by his wife Sandra; three children: Christine (and Richard) Cloeter, Michael ( and Margi) Ficken, and Netha (and Michael) Schrimpf; six grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; two sisters Lillian Johnson, Venita Muller; sister-in-law Jeanne Ficken; brother-in law William McDonald, and sister-in-law Virginia (and Gary) Rickard.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers Carl, Victor, and William Ficken, two sisters Verona Schmidt and Elfrieda Folkmann, sisters-in-law Louella Ficken, Lillian Ficken, Joan Schneider, and Rita McDonald, and brothers-in-law Monte Meyer, Ray Folkmann, Harlan Schmidt, Arthur Johnson and Lloyd Muller.

A memorial service will be held 10:30 am on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at the Powell Funeral Home in Williamsburg. Burial will be at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Powell Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be given to L.I.S. Tuition Assistance Fund, Williamsburg. Messages and tributes may be directed to www.powellfuneralhomes.com.