Obituary - Ed Uebner of Mariposa

Ed Uebner, 68

1943 – 2012

Ed was born in Chicago, Illinois but his true life began at age 9, when Lawrence and Janette Uebner chose him to join their family.  He grew up with his 3 brothers, Larry, Rick and Jim.  Realizing early on that he had an interest in cooking, he went to culinary school to explore his passion.  Shortly after, he joined the army and served his country for several years in South Korea.  He returned to his love for cooking and became a chef at The Drake Hotel in Chicago.  He moved his family out to Mariposa, CA. in 1980 to follow his dream and bought The Wagon Wheel Restaurant (later re-named Charles Street Dinner House).  It was here in Mariposa where Ed truly found his “home” and was welcomed with open arms from the whole community. 

Now, let’s get to the point because…”It’s what we do”. 

We lost an amazing man this past Wednesday, February 15, 2012.  Ed was not only a loving father, brother and friend; he was also an inspiration to many young people who were fortunate enough to have worked with him and an icon in Mariposa for the past 32 years.  Everyone close to him knew the restaurant was his life because it gave him the opportunity to do what made him happiest….which was to cook, serve others, create memories, and of course DANCE!!  

Ed was a walking stick totin’, top hat wearin’, dance floor stompin’, comfort food cookin’ family man who was always generous with compliments, recipes and, most importantly, his heart.  The magnitude of his loss will be felt by many but we can all find comfort in knowing that Ed was so grateful and appreciative every day for how truly blessed he was to have been a part of so many wonderful people’s lives. 

Ed is survived by his two daughters, Kim and Connie (from his 1^st marriage with Paula Blizzard) and was a loving father to Linda Halvorson’s two children, John and Spring, during their 20-year marriage. 

Ed loved to “take in the moment”.  How appropriate that his final moments were spent doing just that…taking a walk in the country that he loved and soaking in the glory of God’s awesome creation.

The Color Guard ceremony and memorial service will begin at 1:00pm on Sunday, February 26^th at the Mariposa County Fairground (Building A).  An open mic will be available during the service for those who would like to share their sentiments. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ed’s name to the Mariposa County Schools Foundation (P.O. Box 2369 Mariposa, Ca. 95338).