Edward R. “Ed” Bertels, 82, of Eldridge, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, at MercyOne Genesis, Davenport.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 27, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Long Grove. Visitation will be held from 2–4 p.m. on Sunday afternoon at Chambers Funeral Home, Eldridge. Burial will be at St. Ann’s Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to St. Ann’s Catholic Church or to River Bend Food Bank.
Ed was born on Sept. 3, 1943, in Aurora, Ill., the son of Reinhold and Lucille (Heinz) Bertels. He graduated from Marmion Military Academy in Aurora in 1961. He was united in marriage to Kathleen L. “Kathy” Moore on April 24, 1965. They made their home in Aurora, before moving to Dekalb, Ill., in 2006 and later to Eldridge in 2021. Ed worked at Caterpillar for eight years and later for Illinois Bell Telephone Company, which became AT&T. He retired in 2009 after 38 years of service. In his spare time, Ed also installed carpet for over 40 years. He found great joy in helping others with various home projects and was known for his ability to fix just about anything. He and Kathy enjoyed traveling to numerous places, including several trips to Hawaii. After retirement, Ed was able to spend quality time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, which he enjoyed immensely. Ed was a member of IBEW Local 21 and AT&T Pioneers Group.
Those left to honor his memory are his wife of 60 years, Kathy Bertels of Eldridge; his daughters, Marcia (Dennis) Voss and Cynthia (Sean) Frey, all of Eldridge; seven grandchildren, Ryan (Alyssa) Voss, Brandon (Kayla) Voss, Brianna (Chris) Boer, Spencer Voss, Marisa (Justin) Goninen, Meredith (Isaac) Wyland, and Tanner (Madison) Frey; 10 great-grandchildren, Hazel, Josie, Vivian, Lyla, Olivia, Lainey, Olive, George, Axel, and Otto; his sister, Janet (Joseph) Bugajski of California; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Christopher Voss; and a sister and brother-in-law, Joyce and Richard Wollwert.
Online condolences may be shared with Ed’s family at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com.
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