Edward Christians, 88, of Kanawha passed away Friday, January 26, 2001, at the Kanawha Community Home in Kanawha, Iowa. Edward, the son of Nick and Nellie (Beninga) Christians, were born on September 4, 1912, and was united in marriage to Minnie Rietema on February 22, 1939.  Together they made their home and engaged in farming in the Kanawha area until 1983.  They moved to Kanawha and resided at 214 West 7th Street until Ed entered the Kanawha Community Home on December 20, 2000. Ed was baptized and made profession of his faith in the Wright Christian Reformed Church where he was a lifelong member.  During his adult life Ed served as a deacon and an elder in his church, faithfully attended Men's Society, served as a catechism teacher, and served on numerous committees.  Ed also served on the board of the Kanahwa Co-op Elevator for many years. Ed is survived by his wife, Minnie, his children: Kathy Schroer and her husband, Ray of Sioux City, Nick and his wife, Marla of Ames, Paul and his wife, Peggy of Kanawha, and Donna Ellis and her husband, Kent of Coralville, Iowa; ten grandchildren whom he dearly loved; five sisters: Tena Ruter, Tillie Verbrugge, Henrietta Rietema and her husband Art, Nettie Assink and her husband Harold, all of Kanawha, and Margerite Hensel and her husband Kelly of Stockton, Illinois; one brother, James and his wife, Mavis of Grand Rapids, Michigan; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter Carol, who died at the age of three from kidney cancer, two brothers, Herman and Elmer and one sister, Minnie.