Edward "Ed" Yde

Edward Emil Yde, 75, passed away on February 5, 2013 at the University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison, WI surrounded by his wife and three children after an extended illness. He was born on August 7, 1937 in Freeport, IL to Edward William and Jean (Clayton) Yde. Ed was born and raised in Freeport, IL. He was a lifetime parishioner of Saint Joseph'™s Catholic Church. He graduated from Aquin Central Catholic High School in 1955 where he lettered in 4 sports. He joined the Air Force in 1957 where he rose to the rank of Buck Sargent as a military police officer and was honorably discharged in 1961. After his active duty, he served an additional 2 years in the Air Force Reserves. He received an associate degree in business from Highland Community College in 1968. He worked for Micro Switch (Honeywell) for 38 years (1961 '" 1999) working his way from the factory floor to a senior buyer position. While at Micro Switch he won back to back national awards (1977-1978) for value analysis / value improvement and was rewarded with his photo on the cover of Purchasing Magazine in 1977. Ed married Katherine (Kay) Lucile (Ryan) Yde in 1962 at Saint Joseph'™s Catholic Church in Freeport, IL. He was a devoted husband and cared for her through two car accidents and a devastating illness of her own. His last wish to her was to have one more time around the dance floor. They were married for 49 years. Ed was a member of the Elks Club, Eagles Club, Knights of Columbus, and Viet Now. He served as Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars for 5 years and was the Commander of the Amvets at the time of his death. He was a founding member of the local chapters of Ducks Unlimited, White Tails Unlimited and Pheasants Forever where he served various positions including Treasurer. He was a lifetime member of the NRA. He was a tireless volunteer. He was a little league coach, youth basketball coach, Indian guides leader, and Indian princess leader. He donated over 6 gallons of blood over his life and volunteered at the Freeport VA Clinic for years. He ran the scoreboard at Aquin football games for 25 years. He was elected to the Stephenson County Board (2000-2006) and as vice chairman was instrumental in developing the All Veterans'™ Memorial Park. He was also the driving force behind the Heritage Woods Assisted Living Center where he was president of the foundation. The Center will open this spring. He enjoyed many hobbies and interests over his life such as bowling, basketball, softball, fishing, hunting, crossword puzzles, walking with his friends, horseshoes, water aerobics, flea marketing, antiquing and cooking. But most importantly he was a devoted family man. He was a perfectionist when it came to creating a Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter Feast. Everyone who had a meal at Ed and Kay'™s, knew that they would never leave hungry. He believed grandchildren were a gift from God. He supported his grandchildren as their biggest fan at sporting events, programs and recitals. He enjoyed fishing and hunting with them as he had done for years with his own children. Ed is survived by his wife, Kay of Freeport, IL; his 3 children, Matthew (Darcy) Yde of Wausau, WI, Steven (Patty) Yde of Sterling, IL, Andrea (Lance) Roelfs of Freeport, IL; his sister Pat (Don) Steuck of Dubuque, IA; 10 grandchildren, Lauren Yde attending Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI; Alex Yde playing Hockey for the Minnesota Flying Aces in Little Falls, MN,, Ryan and Sophia Yde of Wausau,WI; Clayton, Kyle, and Emma Yde of Sterling, IL; Quentin, Landon, and Ashton Roelfs of Freeport, IL. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Edward W. and Jean (Clayton) Yde, A funeral service will be held at Saint Joseph'™s Catholic Church, 229 W. Washington Place Freeport, IL on Tuesday February 12th at 10:30am. A wake will be held at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home 504 N. Walnut Ave. Freeport, IL on Monday, February 11th from 3pm-7pm. A rosary will be prayed at 3pm. The wake will continue at St Josephs on Tuesday at 9:30am prior to the mass. Burial will follow the funeral at Oakland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in his memory. Condolences may be left on Burke Tubbs online guest book at www.burketubbs.com