Edward J. Stemwedel, known to many as Ed, died on November 2, 2026, in Rockford, Illinois, at the age of 90. Born on February 27, 1936, in Rockford, Illinois, the son of Edmund and Ruth (Keating) Stemwedel. He married Judith “Judy” Stemwedel in 1969 in Rockford. They remained married for many years until her passing on October 30, 2023.

Ed built a life marked by steady work, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the character and history found in old things. He was a high school graduate and went on to work as a pattern maker for various companies in the Rockford area.

Outside of work, Ed was an avid collector of antiques and of anything that simply looked cool or interesting to him. He took pleasure in the search as much as the find, and he and his wife, Judy, spent time together at many flea markets and antique shows. Those outings were part of the rhythm of their life, filled with shared interest, conversation, and the quiet excitement of discovering something memorable. Ed loved spending his time volunteering for many years at PA Peterson Nursing Home.

He is survived by his son, James “Jim” Stemwedel; his stepsons, Bart (Barbie) Johnson and Steve (Gina) Johnson; his grandchildren, Edward (Alicia) Stemwedel, Justin Stemwedel, Natasha (Jacob) Ganzen, Mitchell (Jenni) Johnson, Matthew (Lauren) Johnson, Daniel (Katelan) Johnson, Devin (Athina) Burnup, Candace (Larry) Thomas, Thomas Burnup and Jacob Johnson; his great-grandchildren, Amaurah and Aveylah Stemwedel, Kayleigh, Hannah, Cole, Jett, and Riley Johnson, Chloe and Laurel Thomas, Hannah and Kiara Burnup. He is preceded in death by his wife, Judy Stemwedel; his daughter-in-law, Toni Stemwedel; and his parents.

A visitation will take place on Saturday, November 28, 2026, from 12:00pm until 2:00pm at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61108. To share memories and condolences online, please visit, www.fitzgeraldfh.com.