Published on July 29, 2025 4:10 pm
Last Updated on July 29, 2025 4:10 pm
Edward Ipema, age 86, of Neoga, IL, passed away at his home on July 26, 2025. While his family mourns him greatly, they are joyful that he is now in Heaven with his Lord and Savior.
He is survived by his wife Vicky Ipema; children, Laura and Jim VandeWerken, Valerie and Ken Huisenga, Ed and Diane Ipema, Mike and Melanie Ipema and Rick and Mandy Ipema as well as stepchildren Larry and Aimee Siwinski, Jason Siwinski and Ilene, and Heather and Eamon Quinn. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Matthew, Cherilyn, Jessica, Alex, Lindsay, Nicole, Erin, Eddy, Mikey, Lexie, Savannah, Gabe, Luke, Jakob, Austin, Bash, Kinley, Emery and Kennedy. He was also blessed with 17 great grandchildren; and is survived by his siblings, Annette Kamp, Bernice Schaver, Ken and Joyce Ipema and Alvin Ipema.
Ed is preceded in death by his former wife Marlene, grandson Jay and parents, Ed and Reka Ipema; siblings and in-laws: Hank and Annamae Ipema, Harry and Ann Ipema, Evelyn Ipema, Pete Kamp, Jim Schaver, Charlotte and Ron Sol and Joan Ipema.
He was born and grew up on a farm in Chicago Ridge, Illinois. He was one of nine children. He attended Roseland Christian grade school and eventually went to Washburn Trade School to be a union carpenter. He ran a successful business under the name of Edw. Ipema Construction Company which was his profession for most of his life. He also worked as an excavator later in life and really enjoyed running heavy equipment.
He loved to fish, play cards and play “Marbles”. He had a workshop by his home on Lake Mattoon where he would build lighthouses, benches, birdhouses, cartoon characters, frames, etc.
He will be missed by the many people whose lives he touched and will remain in his family and friend’s hearts forever.
Visitation will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at Grace United Methodist Church, 752 Walnut Avenue, Neoga, IL, followed by the funeral at 12:30 p.m. Burial will be in Zion Hill Cemetery in Paradise Twp. Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital 1001 Highlands Plaza Drive West Suite 140 St. Louis, MO 63110-1337. The family prefers Flowers By Debbie of Neoga, Illinois for floral tributes (217)895-2822. The Swengel – O’Dell Funeral Home is assisting the Family with arrangements.
Online condolences may be expressed at swengel-odell.com.