Emil W. "Moe" Desmet Jr.

Emil W. “Moe” DeSmet, Jr., 81, of Rock Island, Illinois, died Monday, January 27, 2020, at Generations at Rock Island, with his loving wife of nearly 60 years by his side.

Graveside services are 2:00 p.m. Friday at Rock Island National Cemetery, with the Moline American Legion Post #246 presenting military honors. Those wishing to attend should meet in the parking lot of Trimble Pointe, 701 12th Street, Moline, at 1:45 p.m. Cremation will take place prior to services at Trimble Crematory under the direction of Trimble Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Boy Scouts of America.

Emil was born February 22, 1938, in Davenport, Iowa, the son of Emil Sr. and Letha (Dixon) DeSmet. He served in the U.S. Marines and went on to marry Madge Belvel on July 23, 1960, in Rock Island. He worked in semi engine repair for Quad City Peterbilt.

He was a former member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Rock Island, and was Scout leader for Boy Scout Troop 213 for 41 years. He enjoyed going to the casino, fishing, and playing euchre. Above all else, family was the most important thing to Moe, especially his grandchildren and great-grandsons.

Moe is survived by his beloved wife, Madge; a son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Christie DeSmet of Rock Island; grandchildren, Nicole DeSmet and Shane (Reena) DeSmet, both of Rock Island, Ashley (Shane) DeSmet of Davenport, and Colton and Austin DeSmet, both of Rock Island; six great-grandsons; a brother-in-law, Kenneth Grell of Dixon, Iowa; a special niece, Theresa (David) Spicer of Davenport, and her children, Samantha Sabel and Nathan Anderson. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Delores Grell, Evelyn Depoover, and Frank DeSmet.

The family invites friends to share stories and condolences at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.