Edward Elmer Claflin, 88, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, passed away September 16, 2023 at Gothenburg Health in Gothenburg, NE.

He was born February 3, 1935 at home near Stockville, NE, son of Wayne and Fay Claflin.

Ed was a member of Nebraska State Callers, and Caller Lab. He enjoyed calling Square Dancing, doing woodworking, collecting, hunting, fishing, camping. On June 2, 1957 Ed married Shirley Meester, to this union two daughters were born, Michelle and Melissa. Ed worked for Co-op for many years and later as a diesel mechanic for Lepp and Osterloh. After retiring Ed drove cars for Pony Express as well as continued to call square dances, and served many years on the Gothenburg Honor Guard. In his later years Ed enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren working on cars, traveling, riding his motorcycle, taking his car to car shows and cooking any chance he got. He enjoyed supporting the Guardians of the Children, especially cooking chili for their fundraisers.

Survivors include his two daughters, Michelle (Mike) Courtney of Lincoln, Melissa (Terry) Walker of Gothenburg, grandson, Levi (Mackinzie) Walker, granddaughter, Courtnee (Jordan) Magnuson, sister, Cindy (Ron) Sabin and their son Colby (Christin) Claflin, brother, Mike (Deb) Claflin, great-grandchildren, Khloe, Oakley, Onyx Magnuson and Josephene, honorary grandson Keyan Anderson and many nieces and nephews.

Edward was preceded in death by wife, Shirley Georgene, parents, Wayne and Fay, grandson, Tyler Lee Walker, sisters, Nita, Donna, Marilyn, Ruth, in-laws, Walter and Hannah Meester.

Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, NE; Monday, September 25, 2023, 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm, with the family present from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm.

Services will be held at American Lutheran Church, Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at 10:30 am with Pastor Doug Hjelmstad officiating.

Interment will follow in the American Lutheran Cemetery, Gothenburg, NE.

Memorials may be given to the Guardians of The Children, PO Box 1633, North Platte, 69103 or the Gothenburg Honor Guard.

Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel