Edward E. "Ed" Gingerich

Edward E. “Ed” Gingerich, 88, of Arthur, IL passed away at 2:10 A.M. on Monday, June 22, 2026, at Sullivan Healthcare and Senior Living Center.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at the Arthur Mennonite Church, 710 East Park St., Arthur, IL. Pastor Glen Rhodes will officiate. Burial will be in the Arthur Cemetery. Visitations will be held from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM and from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM all on Monday, June 29, 2026 at the church. The Edwards Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Ed was born on November 21, 1937, in Arthur, IL, a son of Ervin J. and Sarah J. (Bontrager) Gingerich. He married Edna Nisley on October 24, 1959, in Arthur, IL.

He is survived by his wife Edna; two children, Darrel Gingerich and his wife Janet of Arthur, IL, and Cindy Little and her husband Charlie of Austin, TX; six grandchildren, Lindsey Young and her husband J.P. of Monticello, IL, Megan Starkey and her husband Bret of Bloomington, IL, Seth Gingerich of Arthur, IL, Andrew Little and his wife Jessica of Cocoa Beach, FL, Madison Brewster and her husband Joe of Austin, TX and Grace Little of Charleston, SC; four great-grandchildren, Hudson and Duncan Young and Madelyn and Miles Starkey; one sister, Viola Miller of Ava, IL and Willard Gingerich and his wife Wilma of Atwood, IL.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Elva Gingerich and his wife Sovilla, one sister, Edna Mae (Gingerich) Schrock and her husband Levi, a brother-in-law, Melvin Miller, a nephew, and a great nephew.

Ed’s love of agriculture began at a young age while working at the Williamsburg Elevator. He later worked as a welder at Progress Tank in Arthur and for Carter-Odum Seed and Feed. In the early 1960s, he began farming, a pursuit that remained one of his greatest passions throughout his life.

Over the years, Ed served as a Lowe Township Ditch Commissioner and sold seed for PAG Seeds (Pfister Associated Growers). Farming was more than an occupation to him. It was a way of life, and he genuinely loved every aspect of it.

In addition to farming, Ed enjoyed boating, camping, snowmobiling, and traveling. He and Edna made many cherished memories exploring the country in their motorhome. They also enjoyed traveling to Switzerland and spent many happy winters in Sarasota, Florida.

Ed was a longtime and devoted member of Arthur Mennonite Church. Throughout the years, he served on the church board, was a trustee, taught Sunday School for more than 50 years, and volunteered with Mennonite Disaster Service. His faith was the foundation of his life, and he loved the Lord deeply.

Nothing brought Ed more joy than spending time with his family. Whether gathering for meals, traveling together, or simply visiting, he treasured every moment with those he loved.

Even after his stroke, Ed found great joy in being outdoors. He could often be found riding his beloved John Deere mower, tending not only his own yard but those of friends and neighbors as well.

Memorials may be made to the Arthur MCC Thrift Shop and MDS, Mennonite Disaster Service.