Edwin M. Gerber

Edwin M. Gerber, 80, of Hooppole passed away on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, at home after a courageous battle fought with dignity, grace, and at times humor. Funeral services celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday June 28, 2022, at Homewood Evangelical Free Church, Moline. Pastor Mark Frazee will officiate.  Burial will be in Hooppole Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10-11 AM at the church, prior to the service. Memorials may be directed to the family and will be divided between GIST Cancer Research Fund, Samaritan’s Purse, and the church. Vandemore Funeral Home in Geneseo is assisting the family with the arrangements.  

Ed was born to Milton and Ferne Gerber in Sterling on April 15, 1942. He graduated from Annawan High School in 1960 and attended Iowa Wesleyan University. He married Kay Nanninga on December 7, 1963, in Hooppole. Ed worked thirty-four years as an engineer/designer for John Deere Harvester Works and six years as a consultant for Volt Management and eServ, receiving patents for several of his designs before retiring in 2006.

He was a member of Homewood, where he served on the board and taught Sunday school for many years. Ed was previously a member of the Yorktown Township and Annawan School boards and a volunteer EMT for the Hooppole Fire Department. Hobbies included fishing, hunting, reading, and traveling with his wife. He led by example, showing his family and others the importance of doing the right thing and giving your best every day.

Ed’s greatest joy was his family, who already miss him dearly, including his wife, Kay; his children, Mark (Laura) Gerber, Rhonda (Lance) Arsenault, Audra Gerber, and Jason (Kellie) Gerber; nine grandchildren; and a large extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents.