Charles Edward "Ed" Cantrell

He was born in Pittsfield, IL, on August 6, 1945, the son of Ralph and Betty (Schwandner) Cantrell. Ed married Sharon “Shari” A. Gramke on April 3, 1971.

Ed graduated from Payson High School. He then enlisted in the U. S. Marine Corps and served in Vietnam for 32 months. Ed went on to work as a heavy equipment operator from 1970-2006 for Operating Engineers Local #965. In his spare time, Ed loved to go camping, fishing, mushrooming, and riding his 1970 Honda. He also enjoyed operating his forklift and tinkering in his garage. Ed and his wife, Shari, loved traveling and spending time with their family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Betty Predmore; nephew, Andrew Cantrell; brother-in-law, Stan Gramke; and Margaret Ravenscraft, an aunt that meant so much to him and his family.

Ed is survived by his wife, Shari Cantrell; daughters, Keisa Ealey (Travis Rider) and Kenda Cantrell; son, Ryan Cantrell; grandson, Stone Ealey (Ashton Shields); granddaughter, Kailyn Middleton (Jamison Carter); brothers, Loren (Susan) Cantrell, Nick (Jill) Cantrell, Roger (Janet) Cantrell, and Terry (Sheryl) Cantrell; sisters, Karen (Dennis) Goodwin and Penny (Larry) Ormond; brother-in-law: Lyndell Predmore; sisters-in-law, Tessie (Gary) Bratton, Joy (Randy) Goehl, Jill McCurren, Pegi (Dan) Lawrence, and Debbie (Rick) Schulten; brother-in-law, John (Lisa) Gramke; numerous nieces and nephews; and longtime veteran friend, Joe Scirone.

Visitation and Mass of Christian Burial: Family will receive friends at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025, at St. Mary’s Parish, 404 E. Birch St., New Berlin, until the time of Mass at 1:00 p.m.

Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery with military honors.

Memorials are suggested to Angels Doing Angel Things NPO or New Berlin-Island Grove Fire Department.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home- New Berlin, 714 E. Gibson St., New Berlin.