Edwin L Quick

Edwin Leon Quick, 93, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 9, 2023. Ed was born on January 30, to Norvell and Josephine (Lottie) Quick, the third of three sons. He described himself as an “ornery” little boy, and later turned that feisty spirit into a fierce competitor on the football field and basketball court, lettering in both sports during all three years at Galesburg (IL) Senior High. His teammates became lifelong friends.

After his dad’s passing, Ed followed in his brothers’ footsteps in service to his country to support his widowed mother. He enlisted in the US Navy and served as a Gunner’s Mate on aircraft carriers. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Second-Class Petty Officer in 1954.

During his time in the Navy, Ed married Vesper Colleen Shenaut, a cashier at a local grocery where he delivered milk during high school. They were married for 36 years until her sudden death in 1988, and raised two sons and a daughter. He met Elinor Vaher in 1990.

Ed’s best advice – “Always give it your best and you’ll never be sorry” – was a guiding principle throughout his adult life. He was a graduate of Brown’s Business College, earning a degree in accounting. He spent the next 31 years as an accountant for Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC) in Galesburg (IL), Waukegan (IL), Waukesha (WI), and Beloit (WI), and retired at age 57. One of his greatest points of pride was spending more years in retirement enjoying his hobbies, than the years he spent working. He was a talented woodworker, a meticulous gardener, and enjoyed a spirited game of Aggravation over a brandy and coke with his friends and family in Illinois. He and Elinor enjoyed taking the RV to their winter home in Outdoor Resorts of Orlando.

He is survived by his companion of 33 years, Elinor Vaher; children, Michael (Teri) Quick of Oconomowoc, WI, Roger (Brenda) Quick of Cottage Grove, WI, and Jennifer (William) Howard of Summerville, SC; grandchildren, Ashley (David) Hokenson, Bryn (Mark) Hornbostel, Allison (Trevor) Gorr, Katelin (Nate) York, Morgan (Steven Lee) Quick, Ryan (Sarah) Quick, Thomas Howard, and Caroline Howard; great-grandchildren, Penelope, Charlotte, Ezra, and Ellie; Elinor’s children, Jody (Ron) Hade, and Jeff (Cheryl) Vaher. He was preceded in death by his wife, Vesper; brothers and sisters-in-law, Gerald (Mary Lou) Quick and Robert (Donna) Quick.

Services for Edwin will take place at Sunset Funeral Home on Thursday, April 13, 2023, with a visitation taking place 1:00 P.M., until the time of service at 2:00 P.M. Burial will take place immediately following at Sunset Memorial Gardens.