Edward Joseph Holzwarth

Edward Joseph Holzwarth passed way on July 8, 2024 at home surrounded by his family. He was born on September 15, 1936, on a farm in Calhoun County near Hardin, Illinois, to Charles Q. and Esther P. (Lorsbach) Holzwarth. He married Sandra Sue Krueger on June 25, 1960, in Hardin. She survives.
Ed will be dearly missed by his three children, Susan (Gene) Thorman, Sandra (Mike) Taylor, both of Macomb, and Michael (Daniella) Holzwarth, Bolingbrook, IL, along with his grandchildren, Leigh Thorman of Macomb, Lyndi (Jael) Laborn of Cibolo,TX, Matt Taylor of Davenport, IA and Brett (Madison) Taylor of Salt Lake City, UT, Melissa Holzwarth of Chicago, IL, Tony Holzwarth of Seattle, WA, and Travis Newton of Bolingbrook, IL, and his great grandsons, Zander and Zayne Laborn, Cibolo, TX. He will also be missed by his cousin, Terri (Steve) Roe who had lived with the family, and her children, Andrea Roe and Derek Roe, Columbia, MO. He also leaves behind three nephews: Chuck Holzwarth, Sherman, IL, Tom (Kim) Holzwarth, Greenfield, IN, and Dale (Jami) Holzwarth, Pekin, IL, along with many nieces and nephews.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Raymond, and an infant sister, Anna Marie.
Following graduation from Hardin High School, Ed joined the U.S. Army serving from 1955-1957, being stationed in Germany. He worked several years in Alton, IL, for Laclede Steel, then moved to Macomb to be an adjuster for Country Companies Insurance. Ed joined the Macomb Fire Department on January 1, 1966, rising to the position of Chief in 1977 and remaining in that position until his retirement in January 1991.
Ed spent many years as a volunteer at McDonough District Hospital in the hospice and escort services. In his years with hospice he worked with "the finest group of hospice nurses as well as Dr. Roodhouse and Dr. Veeder". During this time he worked and met with many brave, strong, and caring patients and their families. Many were still some of his best friends. Ed also visited and assisted the elderly in their homes and in nursing homes. He continued this throughout his retirement. Ed also spent some time employed by the McDonough County Sheriffs Department as a court bailiff.
Throughout the years, Ed had been active with Macomb Jaycees and Kiwanis Club, serving in several offices including president and receiving the Distinguished Presidents Award from Kiwanis International. He also served with the McDonough County Heart Association, McDonough County Cancer Association, YMCA board, Boy Scout Merit Board Counselor, Bomber Booster Club, Macomb Downtown Athletic Club, WIU Leatherneck Club, and Western Illinois Honorary Coaches Association. He had served as a Little League, Pony League, and Adult Womens Softball coach. He served on several selection committees for coaches at WIU and served on the WIU NCAA Sports Accreditation Committee twice. Ed received WIUs Eta Sigma Gamma Health Science Honor Award in 1981, the Honorary Alumni Award from WIU in 2000, and was inducted into the WIU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2006. He was a member of the Illinois Firefighters Association, Illinois Fire Chiefs Association, and the International Fire Chiefs Association. He has also been a member of the Illinois Sheriffs Association and the National Rifle Association. Ed was a member of the Macomb American Legion. He was a member of the Maple Avenue Christian Church.
Memorials may be made to Maple Avenue Christian Church, McDonough District Hospital Hospice, the Macomb Bomber Booster Club, or the WIU Leatherneck Club.
Funeral services will be held at the Maple Avenue Christian Church on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at 11:00am. Visitation will be held 2 hours prior to the service. Pastor Donnie Case will officiate. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Macomb. Military rights will be conducted at the cemetery. Dodsworth Piper Wallen Funeral Home is in charge of services. Please sign guestbook or leave condolences at www.dodsworthfh.com
Funeral Service
Saturday, July 13, 2024
11:00 AM
Maple Avenue Christian Church
1300 Maple Ave.
Macomb,IL
61455
Visitation
Saturday, July 13, 2024
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Maple Avenue Christian Church
1300 Maple Ave.
Macomb,IL
61455 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Edward, please visit our Tree Store.