Edwin E. Purfeerst

Edwin E. Purfeerst, 89, Rockford, died at 11:52 a.m. Tuesday, October 18, 2011 in OSF St. Anthony Medical Center.Born April 2, 1922 in River Falls, WI, son of Louis and Lewella (Byrnes) Purfeerst.Graduated from Cornell, WI High School and attended River Falls College. Married Alma C. Collum on August 21, 1943. While in high school he lettered all four years in each sport he participated in and was also captain of each sporting team. He was High School AllAmerican in football. His outstanding involvement in sports continued into the Senior Olympics with golf, tennis and bowling where he received many ribbons and awards. WWIIveteran of the U.S. Air Force where he was a gunnery instructor. Prior to living in Rockford, he and Alma had also lived in Cicero, Western Springs and Lyons, IL as well as Green Valley and Tucson, AZ.Retired in 1981 after 41 years as a Field Service Manager for Danly Machine Corporation. Member of the Cathedral of St. Peter and a member of the Elks Club.Ed loved to read, especially history and fiction. Survivors include his son, Tom Purfeerst; grandchildren, Richard Wardell, Adam (Cheryl) Purfeerst and Dawn (Lance) Jaspering; greatgrandchildren, Lilly, Leah, Marissa, Blake and Tanner; sister, Patricia Vogel; sisterinlaw, Ethel Lee Purfeerst; nieces, Beth (Randy) Paul Petersen, Anne (Jim) Grindle, Brenda Gibson; nephew, Stephen (Holly) Purfeerst and many great nieces and nephews.Predeceased by his wife, Alma on November 30, 2005, parents,son, David; brothers, Raymond and Donald Purfeerst and sister, Marcella Reif.A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 5, 2011 in the Cathedral of St. Peter with Rev. Jeremy Trowbridge officiating.The family was assisted by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S.Mulford Rd.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimers Association.