Edward D. Reed, 95, of Clinton, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Bickford of Clinton. Cremation rites will be accorded and a private family graveside service will be held at Clinton Lawn Cemetery. The Pape Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com.
Born on March 12, 1931, in Old Hickory, Tennessee, Edward was the son of Edward M. and Nancy (McLin) Reed. A proud veteran, he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict (1951–1953) with the AUS Artillery. His dedicated service earned him the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Star Medals and the United Nations Service Medal.
On August 26, 1951, Edward married the love of his life, Donna Freyer, in Clinton. They shared 62 years of marriage before her passing in 2013. Edward was a hardworking man who spent over 28 years as a mechanic and operator at Clinton Corn Processing. Outside of work, Edward was a man of many passions. He was an avid Ham radio operator and found joy in building and flying model airplanes, riding his motorcycle, and racing stock cars. He loved the outdoors, often camping at Thomson Causeway and Pleasant Creek Park. Above all, Edward cherished time spent with his family and was never one to turn down a cold beer and good conversation.
Edward is survived by his three children: Suzanne Jordan, Brian (Barb) Reed, and Tina (Jeff) Detterman. He leaves behind a legacy of six grandchildren—Lindsey (Corey) Ramsey, Ryan (Brittany) Jordan, Adam (Cassie) Reed, Emily (Brady) Regenwether, Ashley (Travis) Rathmell, and Zachary Detterman—as well as six great-grandchildren: Ainsley, Teagan, Cillian, Declan, Cooper, and Phoebe, with a seventh due this July. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Donna, his brother Robert N. Reed, and his son-in-law Tom Jordan.
So very sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathy.
Dennis & Cheryl Boedeker
Sorry for your loss Brian. Keeping you and family in my thoughts and prayers.
My Great Uncle Duane, Aunt Donna my Reed cousins and Grandpa Herb meant the absolute world to me. Together, those two were double trouble.
I have so many amazing memories of Uncle Duane and Aunt Donna. Christmas dinner at their home, camping in the Mississippi or Cedar Rivers, telling stories, lies and downing cold brews.
I was so proud of my grandfather’s service in WWII and Uncle Duane’s in Korea. They always poked fun that I joined the wrong branch. After many years, he opened up to me a little bit about Korea. Knowing that he never discussed t, made me feel more proud of him.
a memory I will never forget is when myself, Dad, Grandpa, and Uncle Duane were in the cabin roof putting tar down. he had a maintenance/mechanic type shirt and the name said “Ed.” I asked, “Who’s Ed?” He replied, “I am.” I was so confused. almost heartbroken. my Great Uncle Duane was Great Uncle Ed! How will I ever move forward in life knowing this?! I loved him with all my heart. Aunt Donna and Uncle Duane will always hold a very special place in my heart. it is the memories that I will hold close to forever. I love you both and am so lucky to have had you be a part of my life. Warm hugs and love to all family members,
They will always be The Greatest Generation. I love you Uncle Duane. Fair winds and following seas (old Navy saying).
I love you so much.