Fred W. Cernetisch

Fred W. Cernetisch, 87, of Rock Island, Illinois, formerly of Alexis and Silvis, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at New Perspective Senior Living, Silvis, Illinois.

Graveside services are 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 28, at Rock Island National Cemetery, where the Moline American Legion Post #246 will present military honors. Those wishing to attend should meet in the parking lot at Trimble Pointe, 701 12th Street, Moline, between 9:30 and 9:45 a.m. Cremation will take place prior to services at Trimble Crematory, Moline, under the direction of Trimble Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Air Force Aid Society or American Cancer Society.

Fred Walter Cernetisch was born February 18, 1938, in Davenport, Iowa, the son of Fred and Maxine Mae (Burgess) Cernetisch. He married the love of his life, Anna Mae Willis, on March 27, 1964, in Hutchinson, Kansas. He went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force, retiring in 1977 after 20 years of faithful service.

Outside of the Air Force, Fred held a wide variety of jobs. He worked at John Deere for 10 years as an electrician, taught at Scott Community College, worked for Roth Pump, was a realtor for Mel Foster and also flipped houses, and was even a farmer at one point. He also worked for Channel 8 on the Call for Action team.

Fred was a member of the Aledo American Legion Post #121 and Mercer County Crime Stoppers. He was an avid collector, specifically of milk bottle caps and creamer spoons. He created a newsletter for those with similar interests and at one point Fred had the 2nd largest collection of that type in the United States.

Fred is survived by his beloved wife of over 61 years, Anna; a son and daughter-in-law, Fred Jr. and Kelli Cernetisch of Florence, Kentucky; a daughter, Bethany Cernetisch of Davenport, Iowa; four grandchildren, Owen Cernetisch, Emily (Will) Chewning, Jonathon Hardiek, and Amanda (Jordan) Harmon; and great-grandchildren, Lillian, Maci, Maddie, Maleah, and Makenna. He was preceded in death by his mother, Maxine, and a half-brother, Earl Cernetisch.

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