Edward Niles

Edward Orville Niles, 93, passed away Saturday, August 23, at Edencrest Green Meadows in Johnston,Iowa.

Ed was born April 18, 1932 in Missouri Valley, Iowa, the son of Orville W. and Ada L. (Vaughan) Niles. On April 26, 1953, he was united in marriage to Marjorie Claire Rothenay, also of Missouri Valley. She died in 2010. They lived in many places in Iowa early in their married life before moving to Urbandale in 1966. Ed moved into assisted living at Edencrest in 2020, as health and memory began to fail him.

Ed worked for the Bell Telephone Company his whole life, working first as a lineman/installer, then as an office supervisor and then finally as an instructor. He retired with the breakup of the company in the early 1980s.

Next to his family, Ed’s greatest love was the building and flying of radio-controlled airplanes, a hobby which began when he was only 17 years old. He loved sharing his expertise with other flyers, new and experienced, young and old, and was a wonderful teacher.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie, his parents, and a brother, James Edwin Niles. Survivors include his two children, Thomas A. Niles and Nancy G. Wehner and two grandchildren, Michael C. and Jennifer L. Wehner.

Per Ed’s wishes, no public service will be held. We appreciate your understanding and ask you to keep Ed in your thoughts as we forever will. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Association are welcomed.