Edward L. Freers

Edward L. Freers, 86, of East Moline, Illinois, passed away Saturday, January 24, 2026, at MercyOne Genesis Medical Center, Davenport, Iowa.

Visitation is 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Thursday, January 29, in the Horizon Room at Trimble Funeral Home at Trimble Pointe, 701 12th Street, Moline, immediately followed by a funeral service at 3:00 p.m. The family invites friends to dress casually, preferably in Iowa Hawkeye apparel. Cremation will take place following services with burial at Wellman Cemetery, Wellman, Iowa, at a later date. Memorials may be made to Christ United Methodist Church, East Moline, or the American Heart Association.

Edward Lee Freers was born September 20, 1939, in Muscatine, Iowa, the son of Charles Henry and Grace Emma (Reed) Freers. He graduated from Iowa City High School in 1957 and later married the love of his life, Corinne Bell, on October 8, 1961, at Asbury United Methodist Church in Wellman, Iowa.

Ed began his more than 50-year career as a jeweler and goldsmith in 1957 as an apprentice at Hands Jewelers in Iowa City. He and Corinne later moved to the Quad Cities when Hands purchased Josephson’s Jewelers in downtown Moline, where Ed managed the store for 17 years. He went on to work at several other area jewelry stores, including Samuels Jewelers, before retiring from Doland Jewelers in Davenport in 2008.

Ed was a member of the Gemological Institute of America and the American Gem Society. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan. He enjoyed many camping trips with his family and loved being outdoors—whether golfing, fishing, or tending to his yard. His lawn and garden were always pristine, and he was well known for generously sharing tips and advice with neighbors.

In his younger years, Ed enjoyed motorcycling and took several memorable trips around the country with Corinne riding alongside him. He was also a talented drummer, playing with the Hi Morgan Band and serving as a founding member of Brass Notes. Above all else, family was the most important part of Ed’s life, and he was especially proud of his roles as husband, father, and grandfather.

Ed is survived by his beloved wife of over 64 years, Corinne; two daughters, Teri Williams of Rock Island and Amy (Martin) Kraaijer of Columbia Falls, Montana; six grandchildren, Joshua (Mandie) Huntley, Elizabeth Williams, Katherine Williams, Grace Arakaki, Faith Arakaki, and Rook Arakaki; and three great-grandchildren, Rae Kaylor, Amelia Huntley, and Christopher Horn. He was preceded in death by his son, Charles “Chuckie” Freers; parents, Grace (Tom) Fennell, and Charles (Geraldine) Freers; and a brother, Fred Freers.

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