Ed Merrill

With heavy hearts the family of Ed Merrill announce his passing. On the evening of November 13, 2024, surrounded by loved ones, Ed went on to be with our Lord. Born in Chariton, IA and lived in Rockford, IL for last 41 years. He was a graduate of Chariton HS class of 1967, and received additional training in communications and fiber optics installation after working with Garrett and West. 

Ed was married to Pam for 44 years. They met in New Milford while Ed was a contractor for Garrett and West phone company. Ed liked Pam’s legs; Pam liked Ed’s car. Their first date was to a drive-in movie theatre to see Grease and they dated for two years before marrying at Sinnissippi Gardens in Rockford, IL on September 27, 1980. After marrying, Ed’s vocation required them to relocate frequently and they traveled to Iowa, California and finally settled back in Illinois. 

Ed was a pioneer in fiber optic technology growing in the field when it was a new science, advancing in the field with multiple communications companies. He installed radio towers in the Grand Tetons and fiber optics at the top of the Sears Tower. After his career in communications, he was a school bus driver before retiring and becoming a camp host at Rock Cut State Park.

In Ed’s free time he had many hobbies; he loved Sprint car races in Knoxville, IA; fishing, hunting; classic cars and hot rods, camping, western movies, sweet tea, had a long sweet tooth and loved a good joke.

Pam would like to thank her family and friends for their loving support as well as the staff at Lincare in Loves Park. 

Survived by Pam (spouse); children, Michael (Jennifer) Merrill; Cindy (Snook-Merrill); Jessica (Eric) Hedquist; Bob (Angie) Merrill; Josh (Nicole) Merrill; 20 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; Ronald Montanye (father-in-law); Veronica (Victor) (sister-in-law); June Montanye (sister-in-law); nieces, nephews and many close family and friends.  Predeceased by Edward and Juanita Merrill (parents); Jim Merrill (brother) of Chariton, IA.

Celebration of Life to be held Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 1:00 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 620 N. Alpine Rd., Rockford, IL 61107.

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