Edward Thomas Pistulka

  General Notes:

Edward Pistulka...devoted son and beloved Uncle
Obituary as read by Eugene Cerny
As I grew up, Uncle Ed represented that man that others could rely upon. He was always there to help out. You never thought of Grandma and Grandpa without including Ed. As a boy of 7th and 8th grade he put me up on a horse and taught me how to ride, he showed me how to drive a tractor and cultivate the cornfield; in the hay field I learned how to shape a haystack. I will always remember when every once in a while when Ed dumped a load of hay on the stack he woud say, "Watch out Gene, I think there might be a rattler in that one." And then he would laugh in that distinctive laugh of his, as I stood petrified not knowing whether to jump or not believe him. He had a great sense of humor throughout his life. He knew how to tease people. He made a lot of puns. I can just see him trying to outwit St. Peter.

Uncle Ed was a generous person as noted by gifts to the fire department, the church and several people he felt had an unfair burden.

He loved the outdoors, working with cattle and farming. He loved horses and dogs. When he discovered the rodeo on television, that became his favorite entertainment. As a young man if there was a dance within 30 miles, he was there. As an adult he was involved with water conservation and served on the board and as an officer in the area's water conservation efforts.

He knew many people through his cattle operation and travels. Throughout all his social activities, his love for family, which included several nieces and nephews, I always thought of Ed as a private and solitary man. Ed did not share his private life or thoughts with others. His thoughts were between him and his maker. When I think of Ed's life, a wonderful poem comes to my mind that I discovered as a young man while in an Army hospital and feel it fitting to share at this time. It is called
THE HIDDEN LIFE
We live our inmost lives alone, At best we are but little known,
And even those who know us best Have probed to find within our breast
That secret place, that hidden source Of life"s expressions. But, of course,
They probe in vain. The life lived there No mortal sould may with us share.
Deep in the confines of the heart, Where all life's mighty issues start,
There is a hidden sphere, unknown To others - There we live alone.

Alone! Alone! We long in vain For sympathy to ease our pain,
For some heart that can understand; But, no! How wisely God had planned
To keep life's center and its throne Reserved to Him, and Him alone.

We turn to God, and seeking find What Friends, however good and kind,
Gave not. God understands and feels; He every bleeding heart wound heals;
The realm we occupied alone He fills, Our lives to Him are known.


Today we say Goodbye to a wonderful person and uncle. All his pain and grief are over' he is at peace forever, safely home in Heaven at last.