James W. Van Earwage

James W. “Bill” Van Earwage, 85, retired Moline firefighter, died Tuesday, August 11, 2020, at Prairie Hills of Tipton, Tipton, Iowa.

A “Last Alarm” will be held at 1:15 p.m. Friday, August 14, 2020, in the Horizon Room at Trimble Funeral Home at Trimble Pointe, 701 12th Street, Moline, immediately followed by burial at Rock Island National Cemetery. Moline American Legion Post #246 will present military honors. Memorials may be made to National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (https://www.firehero.org/).

James William Van Earwage was born December 11, 1934, in Moline, the son of Alphonse Michael and Virble Agnes (Jones) Van Earwage. He proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps for three years. He married Mary Lou Spiess on August 28, 1973. She died June 6, 2020.

He was a firefighter for the Moline Fire Department for 21 years, and worked for Moline Public Hospital for 13 years.

Over the years, he had been a member of the East End Club, Friends Circle Club, and the American Legion. He enjoyed playing cards with his friends, dancing, playing rolle bolle, and always was quick with a joke.

Bill is survived by a son, Jeff (Liv) Van Earwage of San Francisco, California; step-sons, Harlan (Cheryl) Waugh, and Brett (Renee) Waugh; grandchildren, Rachel, Aubrey (Axel), Taylor, Trent, Lauren, Dylan and Miles; a great-granddaughter, Leah; and a brother, Philip Van Earwage. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and siblings, Edith, Joanne, Joyce, Jerry, Stephen and Michael.

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