Garner Democrat 43rd Senatorial District Hancock and Cerro Gordo Counties. Born September 9, 1911, on a farm in Poweshiek county, Iowa. Son of Nora B. and Charles H. Edelen. Graduated from Brooklyn, Iowa, high school in 1930. Married Mildred Rinnan January, 1935. Three children, Barbara (Mrs. Francis Zrostlik), Patricia, freshman at University of Dubuque, and Charles, freshman at Garner high school. Former manager of Atlantic and Pacific Tea Stores in Iowa and Nebraska. Owner and operator of Food Stores in Garner and Luverne, Iowa, 1939 to 1958. Present owner and operator of a farm in Cerro Gordo county. Member of Presbyterian church, Rotary Club, Masonic Lodge, Fire Department and other civic groups. Former member city council. Serving first term in Senate.