Edward Leo Loterbauer passed away in his sleep Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at Bridger Rehab and Healthcare Center. He was 91 years old. Ed was born in Day County, South Dakota to Frank and Emma (Stern) Loterbauer on January 13, 1924.

Ed went to county schools often riding horses or driving bobsleds. He grew up in the "dirty '30s" doing farm work and breaking horses, both saddle and harness. In December 1944, he enlisted in the Army obtaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was a member of the 11th Airborne Division and served in the Philippines and occupied Japan. After his discharge in November of 1946, he returned to his home area and went back to farm work, farming and duck hunting.

At a small town dance, Ed met "the prettiest girl in the county." On July 2, 1948, at the Lutheran Church in Webster, South Dakota he married that girl. She was LeEtta Buising. They lived in Bristol, South Dakota for a short time then moved to a farm by Lily, South Dakota. In August of 1959, Ed and LeEtta and their three boys Stephen, Gabe and Orvin came to Bozeman, Montana, where he was employed by Darigold as a plant man and tanker driver. He retired in 1987.

Ed was an outdoor guy who enjoyed hunting and fishing. Summer was camping and fishing, fall was antelope hunting by Roundup, winter came snowmobiling and ice fishing, while gardening and tending chickens worked in the mix.

He is survived by LeEtta, his wife of 66 years; two sons, Stephen and Orvin (Cynthia); daughter-in-law, Lorna; two grandchildren, Michael (Jody) Loterbauer and Kristie Bice; and six great-grandchildren. Preceding Ed in death were his parents, son Gabe, grandparents, four brothers, two sisters and several aunts and uncles.

It's fishing time!

Graveside services will be held Thursday, May 7 at 2 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Park.

Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service. www.dokkennelson.com

Published in Bozeman Daily Chronicle on May 3, 2015