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, Glen Gingerich, and a great nephew, Cody Gingerich.

Ed got involved in agriculture as a young man when he worked at the Williamsburg Elevator. He worked as a welder at Progress Tank in Arthur and he later worked for Carter Odum Seed and Feed. He started farming in the early 60s. Over the years he served as a Lowe Township Ditch Commissioner and sold seed for PAG Seeds (Pfister Associated Growers). Farming was like a hobby for him; he really enjoyed it. He also enjoyed boating, camping and snowmobiling. He and Edna enjoyed traveling in their motorhome. They also traveled to Switzerland and wintered in Sarasota, FL for many years.

Ed was a long time and very active member of the Arthur Mennonite Church. Having served on the Church Board, he served as a Trustee, and taught Sunday School for over 50 years. He also volunteered for the Mennonite Disaster Service. He Loved the Lord.

His favorite thing to do was simply spend time with his family.

Memorials may be made to the Arthur MCC Thrift Shop.