Jon R. Ellstrom

Jon R. Ellstrom, 72, of East Moline, passed away July 31, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family and friends.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, August 4, 2025, at the Rock Island National Cemetery with military honors. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at Esterdahl, at 1:15 p.m. on Monday. A gathering will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., following the graveside service on Monday at the East End Club. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 3, 2025 at Esterdahl Mortuary and Crematory, Ltd., Moline. Cremation rites will be accorded. Memorials may be made to the family.

Jon was born on January 17, 1953, in Tacoma, WA, the son of Richard H. and Janet M. (Diffenbaugh) Ellstrom. He married Cindi K. Thiem on May 2, 1987, in East Moline, IL. Jon is a Navy veteran, having served as an aviation electricians’ mate working on the P-3 Orion aircraft. He worked as a facilities manager at Mid-American Energy for 15 years, until retiring in 2019. Prior to that, he worked for Geneseo Telephone Company.

Jon loved tinkering in his garage and woodworking. He was an avid tool collector and enjoyed taking his pontoon boat on the Rock River. Jon also enjoyed watching football and was a fan of the Chicago Bears and the University of Michigan. Above all, Jon enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was known for his famous baked beans and attending Sunday church gatherings in Colona (If you know, you know).

Survivors include his wife, Cindi; daughters, Tera (Josh) Bender and Erica (Ben) Hoskins; grandchildren, Brenna, Nolan, and Evan Hoskins, Nora, Allison, and Olivia Bender, and Taylor Ellstrom; his beloved dog, Bella; siblings, LuAnn Woodhouse and Richard Ellstrom; mother-in-law, Nancy Hull; sisters-in-law, Deb (Terry) Schneider, Lisa Isbell (Bruce Shappard); brother-in-law, Micky T; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.