Edna Emma Whidden was born December 24, 1910 at Naper, Nebraska to Johanas and Mary (Stahlecker) Blakkolb, her grandmother Stahlecker was the mid-wife and an Indian doctor, Dr. Fraiser, was the doctor. Edna died January 29, 2006 at the Community Memorial Hospital in Burke, South Dakota at the age of 95 years, 1 month and 5 days.

Edna was baptized in the Lutheran Church in Naper, Nebraska. She attended public school in Naper until 1922 when her father purchased the Ed Law General Merchandise Store in Bonesteel. She was confirmed in 1924. She attended school in Bonesteel, graduating from Bonesteel High School.

On June 13, 1935 she was united in marriage to Earl Whidden at the Congregational Church in Omaha, Nebraska and to this union one son, Gary was born. Together, they worked for Johanas in the Blakkolb General Merchandise Store until 1946 when they purchased the store and it became Whiddens General Store. During their years in the store they often had to room and board their employees.

Edna was involve in the Womens Club, starting in 1937. She served as Sunday school teacher and superintendent for 12 years. She helped with the Lutheran Ladies Aide, Lutheran Society Reporter and was a member of the Extension Club. In 1978-1979, she was honored by the womens club as the Club Woman of the Year. She served as the State Community Improvement Chairwoman of the G.F.W. Club for four years and was active in many other community activities. In 1989, Edna and Earl worked together to compile the Bonesteel Centennial Book. She firmly believed in two mottos: It is better to wear out instead of rusting out and Remember God is always on your side when you are trying to do better.

Edna was preceded in death by her parents, Johanas and Mary Blakkolb; her sister, Martha Tschudy; her brother Albert Blakkolb; her brother-in-law, HL Harley Tschudy and her sister-in-law, Glee Blakkolb.

Edna is survived by her husband, Earl Monroe Whidden of Bonesteel, SD; her son, Gary and wife Diana of Cleburne, TX; her grandsons: Joel and wife Ciara of Stamford, CT and Steve Schuck and wife Barb of Cherokee, IA; her great-grandchildren: Krista, Kayla, Kyle, Hannah and Sophie; her great-great-grandson, Kael; as well as several nieces, nephews and their families.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 2, 2006 at 1:30 PM at Zion Lutheran Church in Bonesteel. Burial will be in the Rosebud Cemetery, Bonesteel. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4 to 8 PM, with a 7 PM prayer service, at Clausen Funeral Home in Burke.