Edward A. Cecil

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Edward A. Cecil, 89, of Lincoln, passed away on November 24th, 2024. Born on September 26, 1935 to Luther and Mabel (Kyle) Cecil, Ed was raised in Denver along with 2 brothers.

He graduated from Denver West High School, and after one year of working in a mattress factory he embarked on his engineering studies at Colorado State University, where he would finish with a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering.

Ed met Beth Kruse thanks to a set up arranged by Beth’s brother and his wife, along with a healthy dose of pie. They got married in 1959, and over the next 58 plus years, they lived in California, Colorado and Nebraska. Their children Greg and Kristin were both born in Denver, Colorado, and raised in Columbus, Nebraska.

Ed’s laugh will be missed by all of us. His corny jokes will be missed by some, maybe not all. He and Beth loved to play bridge and treasured their bridge club friends. Ed loved watching sports, both Nebraska and Colorado State. Upon retirement, Ed and Beth traveled with Elder Hostel groups (now Road Scholar); Ed also spent several years coordinating OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) programs in Lincoln.

Ed loved to read and during his retirement Ed volunteered his time at his favorite local library in Lincoln, the Bess Dodson Walt Library . Memorial contributions may be directed to YOUR favorite local library, or to the Columbus Public School Foundation, PO Box 947 Columbus, NE 68601.

Survivors include children Greg (Darice) Cecil, Kristin Cecil and Brian Robinson, grandchildren Alia, Jonah, Ian, Zach and Zoe.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to everyone at Harbor Senior Care, HoriSun Hospice and The Grand Lodge for their wonderful care and compassion provided to Ed.

A Celebration of Life and Sharing of Memories will be held on Saturday, December 7th at 11am at Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Dr.

The family requests casual attire. Cremation, no visitation.

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Services

December7

Celebration of Life

11:00 am CST

Roper & Sons South Chapel

3950 Hohensee Drive (40th & Yankee Hill)
Lincoln, NE 68516

(402) 261-5907

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May 26, 2025

I worked with Ed or many years in Denver. He was one of the truly nice, friendly and honest people I worked with. I also appreciated his humble manner, his sense of humor, and especially his corny puns.

– Ted

December 9, 2024

Uncle Ed and Aunt Beth were my favourite Uncle/Aunt duo. Visiting them, beginning when they lived in Colorado (Green Mountain?), are some of my earliest memories from the 1960’s. Driving south to visit them you could see a lighted cross on the foothills (Mount Lindo?) – I have always had an association of seeing the cross, and then my favourite relatives. They moved to Nebraska and then visiting the Cecil’s in Columbus became another fond memory of my childhood. I spent a couple of Summers in Nebraska with them, detassling corn, having Uncle Ed try to teach me tennis (he had what Greg referred to as a “Herky-Jerky serve”), and watching Aunt Beth cook and make desserts that were new to me. Their caring, patience and acceptance are a foundation of how I try to treat others as an adult. The world is definitely a better place because of Ed and Beth Cecil. Uncle Ed’s laugh, and Aunt Beth’s playing the trombone and initiating spontaneous parades around the house, are no doubt delighting the angels now. My condolences to Kristin and Greg, much love from your cousin – K.

– K. Kruse S.

December 5, 2024

We were friends of The Cecil’s during & after their time in Columbus NE. In fact we bought their Columbus home when they left to live in CO. Ed & I shared our love of libraries over the years. We kept in contact & always enjoyed our times together! I am Sending my condolences to Greg & Kristen & their families. We had so many lovely memories over the years!

– Glee Nelson

December 5, 2024

To the family of Ed, I am so sorry to hear that he has passed but be joyous that he is with Beth now. I worked at the Cove house when Beth was there. She was one of my favorite people and I loved spending time with her. We would sit outside, do our nails and hold hands. I do want to say, I absolutely admire Ed for his love, commitment and devotion to Beth. He was a part of the Cove house family and we enjoyed seeing him walk in the door every day. He would joke with the other residents and staff, participate in our activities, play bridge but most of all, he was always by Beth’s side. Both Ed and Beth will always hold a special place in my heart. God bless you all.

– Michelle Hixon

November 30, 2024

Caring thoughts to the family. We shared many good times in the past at Trinity Church in Columbus. Quick witted and fun couple. You have our sympathy.