Edward Joseph Hebel, 95

Edward Joseph Hebel, age 95 of Kilkenny, died on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato. Born at his family’s home near Kilkenny on October 4, 1921, Ed was the son of Edward and Elizabeth (Poehler) Hebel.  As a boy he attended school in Kilkenny before beginning to work full time on his family’s farm.  On June 6, 1946 Ed was married to Alice Grace O’Keefe in Marysburg.  Together they raised their family and continued to work the family farm for the rest of their lives. Ed enjoyed having coffee with the guys in Waterville and Kilkenny, playing cards, and listening to old time music.  More than anything, though, Ed enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, and working on the farm.  He served for many years as the Secretary on the Calvary Cemetery board, and was a long-time member of St. Canice Catholic Church in Kilkenny where he enjoyed helping out with the annual fall festival. Edward is survived by his children, Sandra Christenson of Blooming Prairie, Janet (Stephen) Sydnes of Bethany, OK, Edward (Debra) Hebel of Owatonna, James (Sheryl) Hebel of Kilkenny, and Don Hebel of Waterville; and thirteen grandchildren and their families, which include twenty-seven great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by both of his parents; his wife; two sisters, Helen and Elizabeth; one brother, Elmer; and one son-in-law, John Christenson. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 11, 2017 at St. Canice Catholic Church in Kilkenny. Interment was at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Kilkenny.