Richard Edelman

Richard Joseph Edelman was born November 25, 1940. He passed away August 6, 2017 at home in Beloit, surrounded by his family, after a long battle with cancer. He was 76 years of age. Richard was one of ten children born in Sabetha, Kansas to Alphia and Emma (Stahl) Edelman.

Richard grew up farming surrounded by his immediate and extended family. He sold his farm in Sabetha, then met and married Shirley (Godfrey) Edelman January 31, 1970. They moved to Beloit to help a small congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Soon after, he started his janitorial business, where he took pride in cleaning and maintaining numerous businesses in the Beloit community. He used his cleaning business as an opportunity to spend time with his children, while at the same time training them the value of working hard and serving others. He looked forward to his daily conversations with those he worked with in an effort to "solve the problems of the world". The friendships he made with his workmates and coffee buddies were of great value to him.

Richard was known for his love of all people. In 1968, motivated by his desire for satisfying answers to questions he had about life, death and a hope for the earth, he began earnestly studying the Bible. Excited about what he learned, in February, 1969 he was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses, and remained a student of the Bible until his death. He loved sharing the hope he found in the Bible of the time when Jesus will restore the earth to its original clean and peaceful condition, and the resurrection on the restored earth of ones who have fallen asleep in death.

In the meantime, he loved finding ways to be generous to those in need, whether by helping fix their lawn mower, changing their oil, or giving them farm eggs or produce from his garden. His favorite pastimes included helping others, gardening, taking care of his cows, coffee breaks at Pump Mart and the Banner, and spending time with his family.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Alphia and Emma (Stahl) Edelman; brother, Clemons Edelman; sisters,  Karoline, Berniece, and Lena Edelman, all of Sabetha. He is survived by his wife Shirley (Godfrey) Edelman of their home in Beloit; daughters, Alethia (Allen) Larsen of Hood River, Oregon; Rachel (Joshua) Webb of Beloit; sons, Caleb (Monica) Edelman of Carbondale, Colorado; Craig (Lacey) Edelman of Beaverton, Oregon; grandchildren Jacob and Levi Larsen; Grace Webb, and Phoebe Edelman; brothers, Orin, Leonard (Anna), Nathan (Marlene), Eugene (Judy); sister, Doris (Virgil); sister in law, Marjorie, all of Sabetha; and a host of nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews; and many dear cousins.

Funeral services will be at 9 AM Saturday, August 12 at the Roberts Family Funeral Home, with a graveside service in Albany, KS (near Sabetha) at 3 PM. Visitation will be from 4-8 PM with family present from 6-7 PM Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to Solomon Valley Hospice.