Edward L. Orde

Edward L. Orde Jr, aged 78, but still young at heart; passed away peacefully at his home on January 27, 2024 after a short battle with cancer. Ed was born August 6, 1945, in Lynn, Massachusetts to Edward L. Sr. and Doris M. (Cooke) Orde. Ed spent his youth on the east coast before moving to Illinois. He was a graduate of Lena-Winslow High School class of 1964. Ed was employed by K.C. Erickson Dental Laboratory from 1966 until his retirement in 1999.

Ed met his wife Connie (Moyer) Orde while cruising the square of downtown Freeport. They were married October 19, 1968, at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Freeport. Ed and Connie were married for 55 year and had two daughters. Ed loved spending time with his girls and was a great ‘girl dad’ before it was trendy. Ed was an active member of the community and served on the board of the Big Brothers and Big Sisters, coached junior tackle football, he was a former member of the Freeport Eagles Club, Stephenson County Antique Engine Club, and the Germania Club.

Ed’s “happy place” was their family cabin in Merrimac WI on Lake Wisconsin. He loved the outdoors and shared this love with his family and friends. Upon his retirement he spent most of his time at the cabin and loved it when the cabin was full of kids, grandkids and friends. Ed loved fishing, hunting, talking politics, swimming, babysitting his grandkids, making welded sculptures, and splitting wood. Ed never met a stranger and made many lasting friendships over the years both in Freeport and Merrimac.

He is survived by his loving wife, Connie Orde; his two children, Kristin (Trent) Rademaker of Freeport and Lisa (Jason) Knox of Dakota; his grandchildren: Adam Orde of Chicago, Brittany (Josh) Staska of Dakota, Nolan Knox of Dakota, and Tyler Rademaker of Freeport; two step-granddaughters: Whitney (Andy) Bower and Chelsea Rademaker and their children. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Doris Orde, his maternal and paternal grandparents, as well as his sister, Gale Orde.

There will be no funeral services per his request. A celebration of life will be held on February 10, 2024, at the Silver Creek Museum, 2954 S. Walnut Rd. Freeport from 1pm to 4pm. A memorial fund has been established.