Cherry Valley, IL

Edward A. Smerke, 69, of Cherry Valley, IL passed away peacefully, Friday morning, August 3, 2018 in his home after a lingering illness.  Ed was born May 13, 1949 in Livingston, Montana the son of Edward A. and Christine A. (Reukauf) Smerke.  He attended Montana State University and graduated from Rock Valley College.  Married Phyllis L. Null on July 16, 1970 celebrating 48 years of marriage.  Ed worked for National Lock, Atwood Industries and retired from Forest City Technology.  He made his spiritual home at Christ United Methodist Church where he served on Staff-Parrish, Leadership team and was a Stephen's Minister.  Ed lived out his faith by taking leadership and deep involvement in Northern Illinois Emmaus.  At other times in his life you might find Ed playing a round of Golf, cruising with Phyllis on his Gold Wing Motorcycle, trekking to Mexico or working his Ham Radio.  A devote Cubs fan, he was elated to watch them win the World Series.

Ed is loved and will be missed by his wife, Phyllis; daughters, Kim (Mike) Kuba of DeKalb, IL, Karen (Mike) Cota of El Monte, CA; grandchildren, Michael Edward Kuba and Kylie Elizabeth Kuba; sister, Hazel Lynn Baggett of Albuquerque, NM; cousins, nieces and nephews; as well as his father in-law, Roy Headrick.  Ed is preceded in death by his parents, mother in-law Lucille Headrick; father in-law, Earl Null; aunts and uncles.

A time of gathering will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m., Sunday, August 26, 2018 at Christ United Methodist Church 4509 Highcrest Rd. Rockford.  Memorial Service for Ed will be held at 2:30 PM Sunday, August 26, 2018 at the church with Rev. Jane Easley officiating. There will be a luncheon immediately following the service at church.  Private committal service will take place at a later date at Belvidere Cemetery.  Memorials may be directed to Christ United Methodist Church, 4509 Highcrest Road, Rockford, IL 61107 or Northern Illinois Emmaus, PO Box 24, Crystal Lake, IL 60012-0039.  Arrangements by Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, 218 W. Hurlbut Avenue, Belvidere, IL 61008.  To share a memory please visit www.AndersonFCS.com