Edward S. Yagel, Jr., 79, of rural Hinton, Iowa passed away at his home on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, surrounded by his family. A Celebration of Life Service will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 13, 2021, at St. Thomas' Episcopal Church in Sioux City, Iowa. Rev. Stacey Gerhart and Deacon Pat Johnson will officiate. Burial will follow at a later time at Floyd Valley Cemetery, rural Merrill, Iowa. Visitation will begin 9:30 a.m. at the church on Saturday.

Edward Stewart Yagel, Jr. was born on November 15, 1941, in Brookfield, Missouri to Edward Stewart, Sr. and Claribel (Beason) Yagel. He was raised on the family farm near Brookfield where he attended high school. Following graduation, Ed began studies at Westmar College in Le Mars, Iowa. He took flying lessons while living in Le Mars.

Ed and Linda Schneider were united in marriage on May 29, 1965, in Le Mars. After he earned a Bachelor's Degree from Westmar, Ed took a position with Mutual of Omaha as an underwriter. Ed furthered his education by attending the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Before he could finish his Master's Degree, Ed was inducted into the United States Army in the Fall of 1966. He served at Ft. Dix, New Jersey, Ft. McClelland, Alabama and Ft. Gordon, Georgia prior to earning an Honorable Discharge. In September of 1968, Ed and Linda returned to Iowa and made their home in Le Mars.

Ed continued his passion for flying by giving flight lessons and adding additional ratings to his license. While working as a Rehabilitation Counselor for the State of Iowa, he continued his Master's Degree at Drake University in Des Moines. After a few years, Ed turned his passion for flying into a career. He was hired to fly for Wells Dairy. As director of Aviation and Chief Pilot, Ed spent 25 years flying from coast to coast and into Mexico and Canada. He earned the Wright Brothers Award for flying 50 years without incident or violation.

Retirement led Ed to a Gold Wing Motorcycle. He rode extensively throughout the area and with the American Legion Riders. He also became an avid pool player. Once Linda retired from teaching, they traveled to visit their children and their families.

Grateful to have shared his life is his wife of 56 years, Linda Yagel of Hinton, IA; a daughter and her husband, Michele and Tim Ramirez of Dallas, TX; a son and his wife, Brian Yagel and Li Zhang of Charleston, SC; four grandchildren, Ana Ramirez of Dover, NJ, Jordan Ramirez of Dallas, TX, Max Yagel of Charleston, SC and Keely Yagel of Charleston, SC; a sister, Jeannette Johnson of Atlanta, GA; a brother and his wife, Scott and Joyce Yagel of McKinney, TX; a sister-in-law, Wanda Yagel of Maryville, MO; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Lynnette Yearns; and a brother, Capt. Gene S. Yagel, USMC.

Memorials may be directed to the St. Thomas Food Pantry, Foodbank of Siouxland or Hospice of Siouxland.