KEWANEE – Edwin C. “Ed” Hegwood, 67, of Kewanee, died at 10:11 p.m., Monday, September 13, 2021 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

Cremation will be accorded and a memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 18 at Rux Funeral Home in Kewanee with Rev. Mara Ahles-Iverson officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services at the funeral home. Inurnment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in rural Kewanee. Memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association. The funeral home will maintain compliance with COVID regulations and requires that all guests wear a mask for the safety of all those attending.

Ed was born November 11, 1953 in Kewanee, the son of Edwin E. and Melva D. (Tessier) Hegwood. Survivors include his three daughters; Tracy (Ryan) Herrick of Portland, ME and Rebecca “Becky” Hegwood (Scott Peed) and Patricia “Patty” Giesenhagen (Ben Cooper), both of Kewanee, three step-sons, Thad Elgin and Justin “Bubba” Elgin, both of Kewanee and Jarrett Elgin of Galva, two sisters, Mary Lester and Peggy Hegwood, both of Kewanee, his friend and former wife, Rosemary Hegwood, grandchildren; Tyler, Emma, Victoria (Tyler), Shayla, Elliana, Elizabeth, Justice, Timothy, Alivia, Zoey, Colin, Caylee, Bailey and Ethan and his great grandchild, Landon. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Ina Gilland and his first wife, Susan K. Byers.

Ed started his family early in life and continued to raise his children and grandchildren for the rest of his days. He was a devoted husband twice over. Countless memories were made in his house and huge backyard on 5th Street in Kewanee. We were easy to find for years with the Tastee Freeze as our neighbor. In his free time, he spent countless weekends with his family at the Allendale Conservation Club. Ed also participated as a Jaycees member for several years. His friends and family participated in their Halloween events.

Ed worked as a laborer for most of his working career. He got his start at Machinery Conveyor and later became a well-known employee for Great Dane (formerly Pines Trailer Corp.) where he served as a Fork Lift driver, Foreman and the "Go to Guy." He was as hard working and reliable as the day is long. We will cherish the memory of how Dads working hands were rough from toil but ever so gentle when wrapped around us. He had a nose for marble squares and a joy for swiveling his hips while he danced. He spent his free time playing cards and Mahjong, doing word search puzzles and watching wrestling. After retirement, Ed lived his happiest moments spending time with his three children and 3 stepchildren, fourteen grandchildren and a single great grandchild. Dad fought his heart disease with the dignity and braveness of a Hero. He called the shots until his last breath. He passed peacefully surrounded by his love ones. He will be forever missed.