Rev. T. Edmond White

Ed White entered the world as the seventh month was born in 1931 and left it as the eleventh month died in 2024. In those 93 years, Ed touched countless lives. As a pastor he presided over the happiest moments for many people and, as a counselor, he helped guide numerous others through their darkest hours. He will be remembered fondly by all as a sweet man with a sweet tooth, who took his coffee black and piping hot, but above all enjoyed giving everyone a “rough time” with a twinkle in his eye and a grin on his face.

Ed was born in Konawa, Oklahoma to Thomas Edmond White and Rosa Truitt White. He grew up loving horses and fashioned himself as a cowboy before graduating as one from Oklahoma State University where he excelled academically and athletically. He ventured north to pursue his Masters of Divinity at Garrett Seminary in Evanston, Illinois before settling in Wisconsin where he served eleven churches throughout the state for the United Methodist Conference. This included Wesley United Methodist Church, on 8th and King, in La Crosse from 1976 to 1983. Following Wesley, he became superintendent for the Southwest District which included the La Crosse area and in 2024 he received a Certificate of Appreciation for 70 years of service.

After moving to Wisconsin, Ed met the love of his life, Cleo Maletis. They were married in 1957, had four children together and created lovely memories as a family, especially at the little red White house on Bass Lake, until Cleo’s death in 1982. The cottage, which he built, in the Wisconsin northwoods, was a place of peace for Ed for the rest of his life. It remains a treasured spot for the generations that have followed as it is for their neighbors, and dear friends, the Christophers. Ed also found joy in quenching his curiosity through experimenting with things and engaging in his various hobbies, which included taking to the skies as an amateur pilot.

Ed strongly believed in an individual’s right to be respected and was an advocate for those whose voice couldn’t be heard. He dedicated his life to making the world a better place. Exposure to racism in his hometown drove him to fight to make a difference and he became an active member in the Civil Rights Movement in college. Seeing religious leaders at the forefront of social reform movements inspired him to alter his career path from engineering. Ed went on to use his platform to stand up for racial equality, marital equity, economic fairness and justice for all people. Ed always championed change and progress even when it put himself or his career at risk.

Ed was known for his wisdom and integrity along with his gentle heart and feisty spirit. He was patient, humble, hopeful, compassionate, mischievous, brilliant, generous, honest, playful and a visionary. Fundamentally, Ed White was a selfless man of uncommon grace, even through his final days, who charmed those around him with humanity, wit, feistiness and kindness. He made all who crossed his path feel special.

Ed's family would like to give special thanks to Connie and Rosanne in giving him dignity and independence in his last years, weeks, and hours. Additional thanks to all the care givers at Mayo Healthcare and Havenwood Senior Living.

Ed loved his family deeply and they loved him. He is survived by his children Connie, Tom (Natalia), Rosanne (Chip) and Dean (Renee) as well as his grandchildren Samuel (Maria), Grace (Matheus), Andrew, Lauren, Taylor and Joshua. He is also survived by his great-granddaughter Emerald. All will endeavor to keep his memory and legacy alive.

A private memorial service will be held later in December.