Edward Fred DeNeve, 80, of rural Victor, Iowa, passed away on April 3, 2026, at University of Iowa Hospitals after a short illness, surrounded by family. Born August 9, 1945, in Brooklyn, Iowa, in the waning days of World War II, Ed was the son of Fred and Della DeNeve. He grew up on the family farm outside Victor.

Baptized and confirmed at St. Bridget's Catholic Church in Victor, Ed remained a lifelong parishioner. He lived his life grounded in a strong faith in the Lord. He was just 12 years old when his father died, and he and his brother stepped in to take over the farming operation. That responsibility shaped his character and work ethic for the rest of his life.

He attended St. John's Catholic School and later HLV Community High School. In 1965, Ed voluntarily enlisted in the United States Army, serving two years of active duty, including a tour in Vietnam as a heavy equipment operator with the Engineering Corps. He was a lifelong member of the Victor American Legion #54, and an avid supporter of veterans' causes.

After returning home from the Army, Ed resumed farming but also worked as a plumber and at Amana Refrigeration to support his family and his land. In 1969, he married Beverly Novotny Andrews and adopted her son, Russell Andrews DeNeve. In 1972, they welcomed their daughter, Danielle.

Ed purchased his grandparents' Coleman farm, where the family lived until 1980, when he built a home on the Tuttle farm he had purchased. While not formally educated, Ed was highly intelligent and possessed a strong business sense, practical judgment, and the skills needed to sustain a successful farming operation for many decades. He had deep respect for the land and for the agricultural community, and he often mentored younger farmers as they were getting their start.

Above all, Ed was a devoted family man. He took tremendous pride in his children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren, celebrating their accomplishments and supporting them in every way he could. His quiet strength, steady presence, and deep love will be remembered by all who knew him.

Starting at age 6, Ed developed a lifelong passion for the Belgian sport of rolle bolle. He played on countless teams and in tournaments across Iowa, Illinois, and Minnesota. He worked hard to promote the sport and its cultural significance in the Victor community, purchasing the 214 Bar building in 2023 and enabling it to reopen as a home for indoor rolle bolle all winter long.

Ed was very civically and community minded. He served as a board member of the Iowa County Historical Society for six years, volunteering at their Pioneer Heritage Museum for many more. He was also a member and past president of the Iowa County Farm Bureau, a role that allowed him to travel to Europe twice. During those trips, he reconnected with his Belgian heritage, visiting Sint Laureins, the town where his grandparents came from, and learning how rolle bolle is played in Belgium. Ed was also a member and supporter of the Center for Belgian Culture. He had a deep passion for history and for preserving the cultural traditions that shaped his community.

Ed lived in a modest way, but he gave in a big way: his time, his resources, his sharp mind, and his willing ear. His generosity lives on in the people and places he supported throughout his life.

Ed was preceded in death by his father Fred, his mother Della, his sister Sandy Burritt, and his son Russell. He is survived by his daughter Danielle (Rob) Nowotny; his grandchildren Garret DeNeve of Denver, CO, Devin (Megan) DeNeve of Iowa City, Rhett (Michelle) Nowotny of Wauwatosa, WI, and Ashleen Nowotny of Coralville; and two greatgrandsons, Redmond DeNeve and Bennett Nowotny. He is also survived by his siblings Shirley Swails, Richard (Barb) DeNeve, Mary (Terry) Starry, Linda (Gary) Beyer, and Lee Kimball.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, April 11, 2026 at St. Bridget Catholic Church in Victor, IA. Burial with military honors will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Victor. A luncheon will follow the burial at St. Bridget Catholic Church.

A visitation will begin at 2:00 PM, Friday, April 10, 2026 at Smith Funeral Home. Family will greet friends at the visitation from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM with a rosary service to follow at 7:15 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to the Ed DeNeve Memorial Fund, which will be used to fund a scholarship for students entering the field of agriculture. If you would like to honor Ed's memory, please visit the Pioneer Heritage Museum in Marengo, Iowa, The Center for Belgian Culture in Moline, Illinois, or try your hand at a game of rolle bolle.