We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Edwin here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.
The Raak family,
Joyce Weber
November 27th, 2020 at 12:00am
Ed was one of the best and most passionate farmers we have ever known with a smile and warm greeting every time! We have lost another great farmer at the Holland Farmers market and his presence will be greatly missed!
Tim and Diane Boeve
November 27th, 2020 at 12:00am
My thought, Prayers and sympathy to the Raak family. I knew Ed since high school and being connected with the North Holland gang. So many fond memories. He wiil be missed! Vern Hoeksema
Vern Hoeksema
November 29th, 2020 at 12:00am
I am so sorry for your loss. I will miss seeing Ed at the market, and the occasional Sunday at Casco UMC. I have many fond memories of him and Ardith from when I was a child and would visit Dutch Farm Market. Prayers to your entire family.
Solina Warren
December 1st, 2020 at 12:00am
I served on the board of directors of the Michigan Food Bank Council with Ed. I am glad to see mention was made of food banking in Ed's obituary. He was a wonderful Council board member and very passionate about food banking. My condolences to all. Ben Kudwa retired Executive Director of the Michigan Potato Industry Commission
Ben Kudwa
December 2nd, 2020 at 12:00am
Randi and family, I am so sorry to hear about Ed's death. I will truly miss him. I'll never forget Ed's allowing me to to hunt for deer on his property several summers ago. Plus, when he volunteered to sing in our church choir when I was the pastor at the Casco UMC. I'm glad Denise and I made his 80 birthday at your condo in Holland. You folks have many fine friends and family. May God continue to be your strength during this difficult time. We know without a doubt that Ed is safe and at rest in God's hands. John 3:16 God Bless! - Pastor Dave Meister
Retired Pastor Dave Meisster
December 3rd, 2020 at 12:00am
My condolences to Ed’s Family on his passing from this life to another.
Alice
December 13th, 2020 at 12:00am
I worked with Ed at Michigan Fruit Canners in Benton Harbor in the 1970’s/80’s. He was a kind and caring man. I had a chance to reconnect with him just last year at the Holland Farmers Market. Every time I pass the “Farmer Ed’s” billboard on I-96, I think of him. It stands as a great memorial to him!
Beth Brink
December 16th, 2020 at 12:00am
Randi and family. So sorry to hear about losing Ed to COVID virus. As a member of the North Holland gang I knew Ed my entire life. He was the hardest working man I’ve ever known. He will be dearly missed. God bless you and your entire family. Irv Smith
Irv Smith
December 18th, 2020 at 12:00am
I met Ed in a position search (looking for work) and was introduced by Ray George a food broker in Philadelphia, Pa. I called Ed, and sent him a resume, and met him, and we got along very well. It was the love of the LAND, and FOOD PRODUCTION that we really found a common area. I was a farmer in previous years, and had a background much like Ed's with family farming, and Food Processing. He was National Sales Manager at Michigan Fruit Canners at the time (1980). He was the most effective, and peaceable person I ever met. Even with a disagreement he would present that WONDERFUL SMILE OF HIS, and the gleam of confidence, knowing he would negotiate a improved position. I was very young then, and had the opportunity to learn from him, every day was learning from his example. During one vacation period Ed took, I was called to Benton Harbor office from my duties as North Eastern Regional Sales and asked to fill in for him by taking calls and responding, taking messages, and just trying to keep the entire desk he managed together in his time off. Well He was one of the most active, hard working fellows I ever saw.
Nick Mastrippolito, Stuart, Florida 34997
January 9th, 2021 at 12:00am
