Edward J. Anthony (1949-2022)

ANTHONY, ANDERSON, HOLGATE

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 4/8/2022 at 17:47:50

Edward J. Anthony, 72, of Illinois City, Ilinois, passed away Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at Genesis Medical Center East, Davenport.

A gathering, celebrating his life, along with time to share memories, will be held at 11:00 am Monday at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Milan. Visitation will be Sunday from 2:00-5:00 pm at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Sherrard Cemetery directly after the memorial service, with a luncheon at the Edgington Fire Station to follow. Memorials may be left to the family and will be distributed to various charities close to Ed and the family. The family asks that attendees wear casual clothing and come with stories to share.

Edward was born on November 7, 1949 in Rock Island, the son of Charles and Leona (Anderson) Anthony. Growing up in the West End, Ed and his brothers tried to stay out of mischief by hunting frogs, jumping off overpasses, and lots of camping trips with his family After graduating from Rock Island High School, he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Holgate on July 18, 1970 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rock Island. The marriage and love yielded three intelligent and beautiful daughters, and from the daughters came Ed's pride and joy - his six grandchildren.

Ed had been employed for over 30 years at Oscar Meyer, Davenport as a inventory manager, retiring in 1998.

Forever a legend in story telling, Ed has entertained all generations of his family and friends with jokes and memories for years. If you spent any amount of time with him, he was sure to mention a grandchild or two and crack a few jokes. Or you may have even fall victim to his never ending practical jokes. To say he is a community legend is an understatement. His huge smile, loud laugh and twinkling blue eyes will be missed.

Ed loved bowling, golfing, fishing, hunting, archery, playing the guitar, drawing, visiting casinos and collecting American and foreign currency. Amongst his many athletic accomplishments, Ed has several Robin Hoods in archery, several hole-in-ones at golf and had a 300 bowling game. In his later years, Ed loved to reminisce about his guitar playing days, and was singing his favorite songs during his recent hospital stay. Throughout his life, Ed found friendship, connection and solitude with many animals, especially his dogs and grand-dogs.

Ed was an avid Rockridge Rocket fan, University of Illinois fan and Chicago Bears fan. Also, the Iowa Hawkeyes suck.

Although always busy with his activities, Ed truly came into his favorite phase of life when his grandkids were born. Softball and baseball games, dance recitals and taekwondo promotions and family dinners happily filled his time. He and his Rockridge hat were a staple at all of the grandchildrens' events, rarely missing anything.

Survivors include his wife, Mary; daughters, Terri (Christopher) Stutz, Chrystal (Tyson) Weller, Ashlee (Joshua) Wennmacher; grandchildren, Jade Weller, Arika Stutz, Barrett Wennmacher, Reese Weller, Colton Wennmacher, Alexis Wennmacher; siblings, David Anthony, Michael (Susan) Anthony, Dianne (Larry) White, Daniel (Fran) Anthony; several nieces and nephews.

Ed is proceeded in death by his parents, several Uncles and Aunts, and his furry best friend whom he loved dearly: Travis, JR, Coco, and Penny.

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