Edward M. Block passed away on Dec. 8, 2015 at 93. A lifelong Nevada Resident, Ed never lived more than 50 miles from where he was born except while serving in the Navy in WWII. Ed’s parents: John Block, a Danish immigrant and Anna Berrum, a Reno girl, whose parents, had also emigrated from Denmark, raised their sons to do the right thing. Fiercely proud of being a Nevadan and his family’s lineage, it was impossible to know Ed and not have him tell you that he was a bilateral Dane, and a 2nd generation Nevadan. Ed received his Eagle Scout Rank in 1939, as a 1941 Douglas High School graduate, Ed started working at Farmers Bank in Minden. Merging with First National Bank of Nevada, Ed was transferred to Reno Main in 1954. In 1955 Ed married Jean Sanford, attended UNR, at night. Ed Transferred to the Carson Branch in Sept of 1956, two weeks later Ed’s first son (Chip) was born. Sadly in 1959 Ed’s wife Jean passed away. Ed was active in the Boy Scouts, 20-30 Intl., Carson Lions Club (President 1964), Carson Chamber of Commerce, National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, Salvation Army, March of Dimes, and a ski instructor for 13 years. In 1962, Ed re-married; Elizabeth (Betty) Rowe, who had a daughter and son, Betsy and Kettner Griswold, the family grew with the addition of a third son John (Jed). For 22 years Ed and Betty raised their family and supported the community. Their involvement made them driving forces in establishing the Brewery Arts Center and creating the Carson City Historic District. Ed focused more on his involvement with the Masons. Raised a Master Mason in Douglas Lodge, serving as Master in 1953 and 1973. A member of Lewis Chapter No. 1 R.A.M.; Dewitt Clinton Commandery No. 1, (50 years); Capital Council No.7, R. & S. M.; Reno Scottish Rite Bodies; Kerak Shrine; Kit Carson Shrine; Edward C. Peterson Commandery (50 years); Ancient Order of Camel Herders, and is a Past Rainbow Pop of Carson Assembly No.7. Installed as Grand Master, Grand Lodge, F. & A. M., 1975-1976. Active in the Scottish Rite, Knight Commander of the Court of Honor, The Royal Order of Scotland; The Robert the Bruce Association, and Clan Bonnockburn; Kicora Council #8; Chief Kilkenny Council #33. Nevada Anointed High Priests; Nevada Council of Anointed Kings; Governor of the York Rite College; Deputy Prior #50, Covent General 1999-2000. Master of Research Lodge #1, Order of DeMolay awarded him with the Legion of Honor. A Knight Commander H.R.A.K.T.P. After 42 years of working for the bank, Ed retired from First Interstate Bank in 1982.In 1983 his marriage to Betty ended. Ed again threw himself into his masonic work. Awards, recognition, and a lot of activities. In 1991 he re-married; Beverly Heidanus at the age of 69. Again, Ed’s family grew, adding another daughter Karen, two granddaughters, their spouses and two great granddaughters. After 10 short years Beverly passed away. Engaged with his Masonic activities it was not long before Ed started keeping company with Dallas Corle Crane. For over 5 years Ed and Dallas were an item, Socializing, sharing meals and just spending time together. Then in 2007 Ed and Dallas married at the ages of 84 and 85. Ed’s family grew with the addition of a daughter Dallas and two sons Dale and Royce, their spouses and children. Birthday celebrations never seemed to stop and the holidays were always wonderful. Ed and Dallas’s time together ended when Dallas passed away in 2014. Consistent, reliable, and persevering best describe Ed. He took care of his family, friends, and was active in supporting the community. More than 70 years as an active mason, 50 years in the Lion’s club, titles and recognition just kept coming. With each honor, invitation, handshake or just a thank you, Ed stood a bit taller. Dad passed away a very tall man only doing the right thing. Ed is survived by; (sister) Edith Block; (cousin) Helen Roberts; (cousin) Bill and Jackie Berrum, (niece) Karyl Clark; Chris and Christy Lopez; (nephew) Bill and Valerie Block; (son) Chip and Kaoru Block; (Daughter) Betsy, Bob, Sheri, Christy and Matt VanWagenen; (son) Kettner, Dana, Ashly, and Kettner Jr. Griswold; (son) Jed and Susie Block to name a few. A memorial service for Ed will be held on April 23, 2016 at Fitzhenry’s Funeral Home, 3945 Fairview Dr, Carson City, NV 89701 at 1:00 p.m. A reception to follow at the Carson City Elks Lodge.
