Edward Ridlen

Edward Lynn Ridlen, 74, of Ames IA, passed away at Northridge Village Retirement Home on April 11, 2026.

Born on October 17, 1951 in Decatur, Il, Ed was the son of Charles Fred and Doris Omega (Franklin) Ridlen. Edward was a 1969 graduate of Lakeview High School in Decatur. He and his first wife, Cheryl, raised three children, Amanda, Jason, and Jeremy. He worked for Burks Pumps in Decatur before going through an apprenticeship to become a union sheet metal worker. Ed was later remarried to Sue Ann Gammell in 2004, who survives. Ed and Sue Ann made a home in Ames, IA and enjoyed gardening, thrifting and crafting together.

Ed loved fishing, gardening, photography, bowling, being outdoors, working on puzzles, horseshoes, playing cards, music, and spending time with his family. He had a quick wit and a kind word for anyone he happened to meet and was always eager to share a smile or a song on his harmonica.

Ed is survived by his wife Sue Ann, former wife Cheryl, daughter Amanda and husband E.J. Brady of Maroa, Il; son Jason and wife Kim Ridlen of Bloomington, IL; 3 grandchildren, sister-in-law Sue Ridlen of Logansport, IN, and several nieces and nephews, as well as family in Iowa.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son Jeremy L Ridlen, and siblings Roberta Weber, Charles Ridlen, Betty Feaster, and Julian Ridlen.

Cremation provided by Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, Ames, IA
Visitation will be held at 12:00pm on Friday, April 17 at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home in Decatur, Il, until the time of the service at 1:00pm. Burial will follow at Macon County Memorial Park in Decatur.