Edward J. Faytinger, age 94, passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 1, 2017, in Lincoln. Born on June 29, 1923 in David City, NE, to Edward and Julia Faytinger. Ed was a fun loving, caring, and generous individual who touched the lives of all who knew him.
He married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Johnson, and together they raised two daughters and a son. He dearly loved his family, friends, and his work as the owner of Culligan Water Conditioning in Lincoln for 57 years.
He was a graduate of David City high school where he enjoyed going back for reunions and to visit friends. He was also an alumni of the University of Nebraska, where he was an avid fan and had season tickets to the football games since 1949. He always wore his lucky ‘Go Big Red’ hat (also from 1949) to the games. He attended the Huskers’ winning game on September 23, a week before his death.
Ed served as a Navy destroyer gunnery officer during the war. He was very proud that his ship, the USS Van Valkenburg, which was one of the few naval ships that returned back to the United States undamaged, with no casualties after participating in both the Iwo Jima and Okinawa campaigns, and 34 days on the famous radar picket line.
Ed’s life was full and rich. He treasured time and experiences, not things. When he was asked how he would like to be remembered, he said ‘I guess as a contributor to success, not only in business but to my kids, community, country and to the fun times in life. I’ll always be striving for this.’
He loved Lincoln and was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Sigma Chi fraternity, the Country Club of Lincoln, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, JCX, University Club, UNL Alumni Association, UNL Touchdown Club, the Executive Club of Lincoln, and the American Legion. He was also proud of being an Eagle Scout.
Ed is survived by his children, Linda Davis of Soquel, California, Sue Hinrichs of Lincoln, John Faytinger of Littleton, Colorado, and his grandsons Jim Hinrichs and John Hinrichs of Lincoln. He also leaves behind countless loving friends that he considered family. His dear wife Shirley passed away in 1993.
A visitation with family greeting friends will be held at Roper and Sons Funeral Home, 4300 ‘O’ St., Friday (10-6-17) from 4-6 p.m. A private family burial will be held at Lincoln Memorial Park.
A Celebration of Life service will be scheduled for December 16, with details available at later time.