Edwin E. Reker, age 93, of Highland, passed away Wednesday, January 7, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese. Funeral services for 93 year-old Edwin E. Reker will be Saturday, January 10 at 10:00 a.m. at the Evangelical United Church of Christ in Highland. Burial will be in Highland City Cemetery. Friends may call Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to service time at the church. Memorials are suggested to Hospice of Southern Illinois, Clinton Manor Living Center, or the Evangelical United Church of Christ in Highland.
He was born on Friday, October 14, 1921, in Saint Jacob, IL, the son of Edward W. and Anna K. (nee Ottwein) Reker.
On Tuesday, July 16, 1946, he married Ruth C. Reker (nee Koelz) who survives in Highland.
He was a member of Evangelical United Church of Christ. He was also a member of Plumbers & Pipefitters Local #360 – Collinsville, IL; VFW Post #5694 – Highland, IL; Highland Sportsman’s Club.
Edwin was born at St. Jacob; grew up there. He worked on the family farm. He entered the service with United States Army from 9/2/1942 to 10/14/1945 with duties in European; African; Middle Eastern Theater. He earned the Silver Battle Star in the Battle of Monte Cassino. After the service, he worked as an Electrician, at a cleaners, grocery store and Wick’s Organ. He became a plumber and worked for Essenpreis Plumbing and Houseman Supply. He retired from Houseman Supply. He became Illinois License Plumbing Inspector and worked as a contractor for the City of Highland as a Plumbing Inspector and retired at age 88. He enjoyed fishing, mushroom hunting, gardening, bowling, playing cards, throwing horseshoes and dancing on Saturday night.
Survivors include:
Wife – Ruth C. Reker nee Koelz, Highland, IL
Son – William E. (Joy) Reker, Carlyle, IL
Daughter – Carol A. Reker, Highland, IL
Daughter – Janell S. Reker, Highland, IL
Grandchild – Anna C. Reker, Carlyle, IL
Step Grandchild – Brandi N. Squire, Carlyle, IL
Step Grandchild – John B. (Rebecca) Squire, Round Lake, IL
Step Great Grandchild – Preston Squire
Step Great Grandchild – Payton Squire
Step Great Grandchild – Landon Squire
Step Great Grandchild – Logan Squire
Sister – Idell M. Falconnier, Savoy, IL
Sister – Mildred M.D. Becker, Marine, IL
He was preceded in death by:
Father – Edward W. Reker died 1/13/1972
Mother – Anna K. Reker (nee Ottwein) died 12/24/1979
Brother – Harold L. Reker died 3/28/2013
Sister – Frieda Walters
Brother In-law – Richard Falconnier died 1/5/1979
Brother In-law – Clifford Becker died 7/15/2012
Sister In-law – Marie E. Reker died 8/26/2007
Brother In-law – Ray Walters
Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home
1501 Ninth at Lemon Street
Highland, IL 62249
618-654-2133
