Edward J. Kodet Sr. was born in Belvidere, South Dakota to Joseph Frank Kodet and Mary Francis Kodet on October 16, 1914. He was born in the farmhouse on the homestead of Joseph Kodet and as a child he became known as “Eddie.” Eddie and his two older sisters, Helen Larsen (born 1910) and Marie Dartt (born 1912), grew up happily together on the farm just outside of Belvidere. Eddie spent time in the same farmhouse until his death.
Eddie attended grade school in Belvidere in 1920 and graduated from Belvidere High School in 1932. He grew up working on the farm and during his childhood he developed a strong interest in music. He learned to excel at the saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, and drums; but what he liked to do most was sing.
He began his career in music by playing saxophone for various local bands including the “Judd Pepper Family Band” and Don Brugman's “The Dizzie Domino’s”. Wanting to establish his own style of music, Eddie started his first orchestra composed of seven members when he was just 21 (1935). “Eddie Kodet and His Kadets” was popular not only in the local dance halls, but also in Custer, Hill City, Rapid City, throughout South Dakota, northern Nebraska and eastern Wyoming. He enjoyed playing and cherished the many friends and lifelong friendships music provided.
Eddie had the fortune of meeting the new teacher in Belvidere named Marjorie Lueck. They were married by the Rev. J. Berning in Belvidere on June 2, 1942 at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church. They lived in town across from the school while Eddie worked on the farm with his dad and Marjorie taught grade school.
Eddie's military career began September 29th, 1942 in Fort Crook, Nebraska. After training as an engineer and aerial gunner, he was given a combat crew assignment out of Clovis Air Base in New Mexico. Ten crew members including Eddie were assigned a B-24 Liberator. Eddie flew many missions, but the most important was in April, 1944, when the Allies determined it was necessary to attack the Ploesti Oil Fields. This mission as well as many others was not accompanied by fighter aircraft support. His plane took on flak and anti aircraft fire and went down over Bucharest, Romania. He was assaulted and captured on the ground and sent to prison camp. In the autumn of 1944 he was released when the Russians liberated Romania.
He took a boat from Naples, Italy to New York City and from there went to Minneapolis to stay with his wife just in time for the birth of their son, Edward Jr. on October 16, 1944 thirty years after Eddie's birthday. He remained in the service for one more year to undergo officer training and B-29 bomber training at the University of Urbana. He was honorably discharged in November 1945 and was awarded amongst many others: the Air Force medal for meritorious achievement, the Bronze Star for evacuating prisoners from a prison camp under fire in Bucharest and the Purple Heart for wounds received on a combat mission.
After the war, Eddie started a new dance band known as Eddie Kodet and His Orchestra. His dance band was as popular as ever and he continued to delight audiences for over 30 years. With a long legacy, Eddie decided to retire from traveling and playing in 1970. Eddie continued his music with the Belvidere Town Band which was formed in 1947, becoming director in 1950. They played at all major holiday celebrations, parades , school events, and summer concerts in the Belvidere Park Bandstand. The Belvidere band also played in many nearby towns including Kadoka, Murdo, Presho, Philip and Wall. The final performance was July 4, 1998 in Kadoka. Music was Eddie's passion, hobby and lifelong interest.
Eddie loved ranching and moved to the family farm in 1946. During this time they were also blessed with the birth of their daughter, Janet, in 1946. He never lost his interest in crops, cattle, and the land. He would drive through the herd and check the grain. The ranch has been in the family for over 100 years.
He served on the Jackson county ASC committee, the Belvidere school board and was the clerk for Belvidere Township. As a former POW, he was inducted into the South Dakota Aviation Combat Air Crew Hall of Fame at Ellsworth Air Force Base, and was a member of the American Legion, Association of Former Prisoners of War, a life member of the American Ex-Prisoners of War, Canyon Lake Senior Citizens Center and Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Kadoka, SD.
A significant event in the last year included being a participant on the Honor Flight to visit the WWII Memorial in Washington DC He was the oldest veteran on the Flight and was especially proud to meet and talk with Senator Bob Dole at the Memorial. He was interviewed by Keloland TV at the Memorial. He was the last member of his B-24 crew.
He liked traveling and keeping current. He traveled and visited family and one of his great experiences was to attend a Glenn Miller Concert in Minneapolis. Eddie's orchestra played many of the Glenn Miller recordings and these songs were among his favorites. The current band leader talked to Eddie about the “Big Band Era.”
He is lovingly survived by son Edward (Jan) Kodet of Minneapolis, MN; daughter, Janet (Melvin) Leitheiser of Stillwater, MN and four grandchildren.
Eddie was preceded in death by this parents, sisters, and wife.
Visitation was held 6-7 p.m. Friday, September 3, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Kadoka, with a vigil service at 7:00 p.m. Friday at the church.
Mass of Christian Burial was held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 4, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Kadoka, with Father Bryan Sorensen as celebrant.
Interment with military honors was held at the Belvidere Cemetery.
Memorials to be sent to PO Box 219, Belvidere, SD 57521 and will be donated to the South Dakota Honor Flight.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Saturday, September 4, 2010 - 10:00 a.m.
Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church
Kadoka, South Dakota
CELEBRANT
Father Bryan Sorensen
CON-CELEBRANT
Father Ron Garry
LECTORS
Mark Leitheiser - Daniel Kodet
ACCOLYTE
Lori Gmeinder
EULOGY
Edward J. Kodet, Jr. - Christopher Leitheiser
MUSIC
Mary Austad & Jo Anne Stilwell - Pianist
Mary & Joe Austad - Vocalists
"Beyond The Sunset"
"Prayer of St. Francis"
"On Eagles Wings"
"Just As I Am"
"Going Home"
"Battle Hymn of the Republic"
Congregational Hymn
"Here I Am Lord"
USHERS
Leonard Sanftner - Brandon Mitchell
PALLBEARERS
Larry Dolezal - Gary Letellier
Robert Bork - Joe Handrahan
Jim Willert - Russell Cvach
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Bernard Herber - Tojo Osborn
Lyle Klundt - Ron Johnson
Kevin Graber - Dick Stolley
INTERMENT WITH MILITARY HONORS
Belvidere Cemetery
Belvidere, South Dakota
Guest Book
Eddie was a very dear friend to us and we are SO blessed to have gotten to know him better the past couple of years. I remember him from church growing up and I am so glad that my kids got to know him too. We would visit him about once a week. The daycare kids even asked to go and see him.
He was a very wonderful, caring and loving man! A TRUE warrior for our country. We appreciate his service to our country and the many painful days he spent defending our freedoms.
He'd tell us when we left, "come and see Grampa Eddie again soon!" We are going to miss our visits but know that he is in a better place now and finally free of pain and back with his dear Marjorie!
Cherish the memories and let those carry you thru.
Thinking of your family in this time of loss
David & Michelle (Vander May) Butler, Kelcey, Katie and Lukas
~ Michelle Butler
Philip SD (8/29/2010)
Dear Janet, Ed and families,
My heartfelt sympathies to you all. Eddie was so full of talent, stories and musical memories!
I love when he shared memories of his music, the dances, his fellow musicians and our neighbors...Jud and Baywerd Pepper.
His sense of humor and his love of laughter was a joy to be around. But, my some of my favorite times were when he spoke of being a POW and what his service and country meant to him. He never got through those conversations without tears...neither did I.
Praying for God's greatest comfort during this sad, sad time.
With love,
~ Rebecca Williams
Philip (8/29/2010)
Janet, Ed and families,
So sorry to hear about your Dad and grandfather. Ed was one of the best. We have really great memories of Ed and always will. We think of him often. He had a kind and loving heart for all that he knew. He was a proud veteran and we are thankful for him for serving his country. I'm so glad you were able to get him on the Honor Flight to Washington DC. He was so happy to have gotten to go. Our prayers are with you all in your time of sorrow. May God Bless you and just know he is in a better place and seeing Marjorie once again. Gary and Jody Block
~ Gary & Jody Block
Midland (8/29/2010)
I will never forget the days when I first moved to South Dakota and Belvidere. I was invited to play in the Belvidere Band with Eddie and the boys. Grace and I were outnumbered, but we sure had some great times. I even drove down and played with them for a year or so after I moved to Ottumwa. He was a very special man, and such a talented musician. He so enjoyed it when the Youth Group kids came and sang Christmas carols for him last December. I just had to introduce him to them and tell them all about him. My sympathies to you on your loss, but I know he is in a better place now. God Bless you all.
~ Susan VanTassel
Midland (8/29/2010)
My sympathies to you, Ed and Janice. It sounds as if your Father led a very full, rich life, and I hope you can share memories of him with family and friends during this time of mourning your loss.
~ Fran Lyon-Dugin
111 4th Ave N #305, Minneapolis, MN 55401 (8/29/2010)
My condolences to you in the loss of your father. I know what this means as it happened to me years ago when I lost my parents. Memories feel more valuable as time goes on. Bless his memory and you as his survivors.
~ Jon N. Groth
Edina, MN (8/29/2010)
I started working in Philip around 2 years ago. Eddie quickly became one of my favorites. When he learned I came from south of Belvidere, we became friends. I'd keep him up to date on the local gossip of Belvidere, and he'd always want to know about my life. He'd ask about my son, when I was going to school, and how my romantic life was going. Even when I had resigned from Philip for a short time, I'd still make the drive over to sit and chat with him at least once a week. Eddie was someone I admired, respected and loved a great deal. I will miss him a lot, especially now that I AM in school. He was a huge supporter and always had a word of encouragement. When I got engaged, he was as happy as anyone I knew. Happy I was finally settling down with a good man..haha. He knew my fiance's family and said I'd done well in my choice and was looking forward to the wedding.
When he introduced me to his children as a "favorite", that was one of the best compliments I've ever received.
Your father was an amazing man and a very positive influence on my life. I only hope one day, I'll have affected someone's life as positively as your father affected mine.
Your family is and always will be in my prayers. I feel privileged to have known not only such a great person, but a genuine hero. My life is better for it.
Tabatha Peterson
~ Tabatha Peterson
PO Box 61 Belvidere, South Dakota. (8/29/2010)
Our sympathy to Ed & Jan and Janet & Mel and your families. Uncle Ed was truly a wonderful man. Enjoyed our visit with him last summer. Even went for a ride to see the land in his pick-up.
~ Doug & Carolyn Larsen & Families
Willard, Wi. (8/29/2010)
Ed, Your dad must have been a great fellow. I wish I could have met him and have heard his music. He was truly one of those "Greatest Generation" guys. Best wishes to you and your family as you celebrate his passing into the next life.
Ron Randall
~ Ron Randall
5565 West 70th Street, Edina, MN (8/29/2010)
A note to say they do not make many people as friendly and kind as your parents were, I loved to come to their house for Extention Club, and you could tell they loved having us. My prayers are with you at this time.
~ Bonnie Madsen
Kadoka S.D. (8/29/2010)
What a wonderful person!! I always loved visiting with Eddie and Marjorie. When my Dad was in the hospital Eddie came and to Dad's room and we had a good visit! He was always so up beat and could tell stories like no other, and they were always so interesting I could listen to him all day! The last time I talked to Eddie he was driving up the road right south of our house and we were moving machinery. He stopped and we talked for a bit. I admired him so much for never giving up and his love for his country, his family, and the ranch!! He was always so interested in what our kids were doing and was always so proud of his children and grandchildren! You made his life a joy!! He will be sadly missed by our community!! Love and Prayers, Mike and Marlene Perault and Family
~ Mike and Marlene Perault
PO Box 196 Belvidere SD 57521 (8/29/2010)
We are so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. it sounded like he had a good day working on the farm and then was ready to be with your mother. he sounded like a great man and you were very proud of him. Our sympathies to you and yours. Jean and Frank
~ Jean and Frank Matschina
14812 58th St. D4, Stillwater, MN (8/29/2010)
Ed.
I am sorry to hear of your fathers passing,last Saturday the 28th Nancy and I were driving home from a week long visit with Nancy's sister in Hot Springs. I remember you telling me that the turnoff to the farm was at the Belvidere and we talked about that as we passed through. Although I never met your dad, he sounds like he lived lived life to the fullest and was truly a member of the Greatest Generation as was my father who served in the Army in WWII. Our prayers are for you and your family.
~ Keith and Nancy Sjoquist
Minneapolis, Minnesota (8/29/2010)
So sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. You know, even growing up near Belvidere, I never really got to know your parents, only who they were and how lovely their ranch/farm always was. I think I missed out!! May you have many memories and "remember whens" as you visit with family & friends during this time. And may God be especially close to you at this time. In Christ, Beryl (Addison) Geer.
~ Beryl (Addison) Geer
PO Box 2018, Gillette, WY 82717-2018 (8/29/2010)
Dear family of Eddie
My father spent his last days sharing a room with Eddie during the summer of 09 at the Philip hospital.
Many of my visits to see Dad were accompanied with a visit with Eddie.
I enjoyed those times very much.
We talked about his days as a musician, an interest we both shared.
He talked about living in a prison camp during WWII. Tearfully I might add.
His interests were unending, it seemed.
Getting to know Eddie was truly a blessing.
I am sorry for your loss.
~ Dan Rasmussen
Belvidere (8/29/2010)
Janet, Ed, and families,
I have many memories of Eddie and the Belvidere Band. I was probably one of the youngest members of the band but Eddie and the boys made me feel right at home. I loved playing the sax next to him and feeling his love for the music. When I think back to the days of playing the saxophone, Eddie is the first one that pops in my mind. I can see him standing up in front of the 5 or 6 of us in the Belvidere Band and counting off the beat for every song. At the end of practice he would always say, "Good practice everyone, see you next Sunday." He will be greatly missed by all but heaven has gotten one AMAZING angel!
~ Kristina Buxcel Fredde
Kansas City, Missouri (8/29/2010)
Ed and Janet and families,
My deepest condolences for your loss. Your father sounded like an incredible individual and a person who will not readily be replaced. Knowing Ed Jr. that should not come as a surprise. He has had an amazing journey and will be well rewarded for all the joy he brought through his music within the choir of angels. May God give you the strength to accept this loss and the wisdom to know that He has taken your father to a grander stage.
~ JR
Deadwood SD (8/29/2010)
Dear Kodet Family,
It was my privilege to become a friend of Eddie as he spent his last years in the nursing home in Philip. My wife, Rose, and I have been entertaining with music at the nursing home for birthday parties and the last time on August 20th, for the Friday afternoon entertainment. (Rose plays the piano and I play either the violin or the slide trombone. We also have conducted the Sunday afternoon worship services at the nursing home. Eddie was always there unless he was otherwise engaged – like out at his farm. Once he and I went to the solarium at the hospital & nursing home there for me to play tunes for him which had I played on the trombone in a family dance band at the Grindstone Hall in my community back in the summer of 1952 just after I graduated high school. He was familiar with many of those tunes. I also play the organ some and so played some selections on the electric keyboard in his room. He wanted Rose and I to come out to his farm and to play his organ, but sadly to say, that never happened.
. I have visited him at his room many times, sharing with him home published books, some having to do with military service. He and other WWII Veterans have been my heroes. I loved to hear him talk about his military experiences and also tell of his thrill in going on the Honors Flight. He shared with me a copy of his written report of his military experiences.
I know that his body was worn out and even tough we will miss him, we would not wish for him to tarry here any longer. He lived a very good and fruitful life and has gone home to even a better life. May “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all”. (2 Corinthians 13:14)
Loren Kiel
(e-mail: lerekiel@gwtc.net)
~ Loren Kiel
20840 E. Grindstone Rd.,Quinn, SD 57775 (8/29/2010)
Kodet family,
The world of music has lost one of its greats. I am very proud to say that my brother Russell and myself were third generation to play with Ed in the Belvidere Band. Our parents Larry and Gaynold, and Grandpa Louis and his twin brother Emil all played. Even when I was at college if they knew I was going to be around they would have practice just so I could come and play with them. I still can remember looking across the room after playing a piece of music, and he always had a smile on his face that made you feel as if everything was right with the world. I think some of his passion for music must have rubbed off on me, I played all four years in college and still play in the community band in Hettinger, ND. I never play a Sousa or Polka without thinking of Ed, and NEVER have I heard a better saxophone player. Work prevents me from being with you this weekend, however, please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers!
~ Wesley, Laura and Matthew Cvach
Hettinger, ND (8/29/2010)