Edwin A. “Ed” Gierke, age 82, of Shullsburg, WI, passed away on Monday, October 26, 2026, at Lafayette Hospital & Clinics in Darlington, WI. He was born on August 28, 1944, in Joliet, IL, the son of Edwin and Mabel (Dehn) Gierke. Ed grew up in Illinois and graduated from Lincoln-Way High School in 1962. He was united in marriage to Debra Gardner on March 19, 1977, at St. Peter's United Church of Christ in Frankfort, IL. Together, they built a life centered around family, hard work, and the simple joys that meant the most to them.

Farming was more than just an occupation for Ed; it was a way of life. He spent the majority of his years working the land, taking great pride in the life he built and the work he accomplished. Ed was a man of few words, but those who knew him understood that behind his quiet nature was a wealth of wisdom, patience, and knowledge. He believed in leading by example rather than words, passing along the importance of hard work, dedication, and doing things the right way to his children and grandchildren. Whether working in the fields or offering a few well-thought-out words of advice, Ed had a way of teaching life's lessons without ever needing to say much. Along with farming, he also spent several years working at Farm and Fleet.

When Ed wasn't tending to the farm, he enjoyed the simpler pleasures in life. He could often be found playing cards, working on word searches, watching NASCAR races or Wheel of Fortune and attending train shows. He especially cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren, quietly taking pride in each of them and the people they were becoming. Ed was a faithful member of Centenary United Methodist Church in Shullsburg and was also involved in the Shullsburg Odd Fellows Justitia Lodge #12, Pecatonica Valley Antique Club and the Shullsburg Lions Club.

Ed is survived by his loving wife, Debra Gierke; his children: Amy (Wesley Whited) Mullikin of Shullsburg, Steven (Sara) Gierke of rural Shullsburg, and Janet (Greg) Jenson of Darlington; his beloved grandchildren: Neal and Maddie Mullikin, Edwin, Rosa, and Ally Gierke, and Grayson and Ava Jenson; one his sister, Sandra (David) Scherer of Oak Forest, IL and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Mabel (Dehn) Gierke; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Marvin and Mary Gardner.

Ed will be remembered as a hardworking farmer, a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a man whose quiet wisdom spoke louder than words.

A funeral service will be held Friday, October 30, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at Centenary United Methodist Church with Pastor Jorge Ochoa officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Shullsburg. A visitation will be held Friday, October 30, 2026, from 9:00 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. at the church. The Erickson Funeral Home in Shullsburg is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.

Per the family’s request, all in attendance wear casual attire.

The family would like to thank the staff at Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County for their compassionate care of Ed and the family.

Edwin A. "Ed" Gierke

August 28, 1944 - October 26, 2026

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