Edward "Ed" J. Belken

Edward J. Belken, 83, of Rockton passed away October 31, 2022. He was born in Beloit, WI on July 30, 1939, to Marcellus Whitey and Helen (Lighthart) Belken. He grew up in the Beloit-Rockton area and graduated from Hononegah High School in 1957. After graduation, he was employed at Greenlee Bros. of Rockford in their training program for one year.

Ed was a 4-year Navy veteran serving from 1958 – 1962 of which 20 months were spent flying as a plane captain of a Navy P2V-5F patrol bomber.

After his discharge, he returned to Beloit and was employed by Northern Illinois Corporation of DeKalb for 2½ years.

On July 6, 1965, he was hired by American/Amcore Bank and was employed there for 39½ years, retiring as an Assistant Vice President on December 31, 2004.

On October 24, 1964, Ed married the love of his life, Charlene M. “Cookie” Cox of Beloit, WI at Our Lady of Assumption Church of Beloit. A 53-year marriage of love and family blessed with 6 daughters, 14 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. On November 7, 2017 Cookie passed away from vascular dementia. 

Ed is survived by his 6 daughters, Anne (Rick) Keefer, Christine Belken, Teresa (Jim) Pfaff, Beth (Brian) Murnane, Kelly (Brent) Viergutz, Lisa (Jeff) Peterson; 14 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; brother, John (Debbie) Belken; sisters, Patricia Parker, Kathy (Steve) Bittorf; nieces,  nephews and their families. Predeceased by his wife; his parents; his stepmother, Lucy, who raised him as her own from age 7; his sister, Judy; and his grandson, David Pfaff.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at NorthPointe Terrace for the amazing care provided to Ed during the last few months.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM Sunday, November 6, 2022, in Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory – Mulford Chapel, 4311 N. Mulford Road, Loves Park with a time of sharing at 5:00 PM. The family is requesting casual dress, warm conversations and sharing of fond memories. Private family burial in Rockton Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to VetsRoll or to the Wounded Warrior Project, please see links below.

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