Edward Ellsworth Best

Edward Ellsworth Best, 69, died peacefully June 13, 2023 at his home in Urbandale after a long battle with cancer.

Ed was born May 6, 1954 in Cedar Rapids to Mary (Griffin) and W. Dean Best. He lived in Marengo for a short time before moving to North English, Iowa, where he spent his childhood. He graduated from English Valleys High School and attended the University of Northern Iowa. Ed graduated from UNI with a degree in business and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He married Kim Breckenridge on June 10, 1976 and moved to Des Moines shortly after. He lived in Des Moines until moving to Urbandale in 1993.

Ed worked in sales, including 30+ years at the Onthank Company before its closure. Anyone who knew Ed knew he never met a stranger, and over the years, many work contacts became cherished friends.

Ed’s pride and joy was his family. He was his children and grandchildren’s biggest fans, and spent many years watching his kids play soccer at Urbandale High School, Truman State University, Wartburg College, and Luther College. Many of his very best friends were “soccer people” and Ed always opened his home to his kids’ teammates. He enthusiastically cheered his children on in all their endeavors and traveled to visit his grandkids as often as he could.

Ed was an avid outdoorsman and loved spending time in rural Iowa looking for deer, pheasant, geese, and ducks with friends. Ed knew many fishing and hunting spots and gladly played guide to friends. One of his favorite places in the world was the Alma Fishing Float in Alma, WI, where he made many fishing buddies. Ed was a lifelong fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, and loved watching and attending Hawks games, especially football, and held season tickets at various points in his life.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Kim (Breckenridge), and his three children Kelli Best-Oliver (Chris Oliver) of St Louis, MO, Jake (Nisse Christopherson) of Des Moines, and Andrew (Liz) of Cedar Rapids, grandchildren Simon and Magnolia Oliver and Fisher and Theo Best, siblings Patty Best of Montezuma, Dan Best of North English, and Barb Wright (John) of Waukee, as well as nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sibling, Rebecca.

Ed was known for being kind, generous, welcoming and gregarious.

A celebration of life will be held July 29th, 2-4PM at the Hilton Garden Inn in Urbandale, followed by a private burial at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to LitShop, the nonprofit organization founded by Ed’s daughter. www.litshopstl.org/support