Edward Anthony “Eddie” DePauw, 62, went to be with the Lord and his parents on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Allure of Geneseo. Visitation will be from 4-7 pm on Friday, January 17, 2025 at St. John’s Catholic Church, Rapids City, IL, with a rosary being prayed at 3:30 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am Saturday, January 18, 2025 at St. John’s Catholic Church where he was a proud altar server for several years. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery, Rapids City, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to the family for a memorial to be determined. Gibson-Bode Funeral Home, Port Byron, IL, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Eddie was born on October 15, 1962, to Julian and Jeanette (Thomas) DePauw. He was welcomed by four siblings. To know Eddie was to love him, and if he knew you, you know you were also loved. Born with Down Syndrome, his family never treated him any differently which allowed him to thrive on so many levels. Given an expectation of 30 years with limited physical capabilities, he proved everyone wrong. He had numerous trophies, ribbons, and awards for Special Olympics, Citizenship, and his hard-working attitude at Abilities Plus, Kewanee, Illinois. Eddie was a master rosary maker, and his rosaries were sent all over the world. He was so excited to throw the first pitch at a River Bandits game. He was also a seasoned prankster.
He started school at Riverdale Schools, Port Byron, and later graduated from Black Hawk Area Education Agency. His final years were spent at Abilities Plus, Kewanee, IL, and Allure of Geneseo, IL.
Those left to cherish his memory include his siblings, Joe (the late Marilyn) DePauw, Geneseo, Rosemary (Ed) Osborn, Rock Island, Bob (Pam) DePauw, Port Byron, and Peggy (Byron) Walker, Rock Island; nephews and nieces, Alex (Karelis), Ben (Steffanie), Abby, Christine, Phil, Kate (Steve), Tom (Julia), Mary (Jesse), Jake (Barb), and Sarah (Adam); great nephews and nieces, Maison, Ember, Penny, Julia (Alex), Ethan, Rosie, Brendan, Rachel, Eleanor, Myranda, Theo, Evan, Nate, Jack and Mara; and great-great nephews and nieces, Ryker, Esme’, Haeman, and Layla Grace. He is also survived by very special friends, Scott Speaker, Mark Grigsby, Steve and Cheryl Bingamon, Mike and Donna Rieman, and his many friends at A+.
Eddie was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, godparents, Ed & Antoinette Urbaniak; uncles and aunts, Duke and Kathy Tyler, Bill and Dorothy DePauw, and Oscar and Patricia DePauw; sister-in-law, Marilyn; and niece, Rachel, as well as friends Ricky Bruce, Lynn Reschke, and Craig Smith.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Abilities Plus and Allure of Geneseo for their care and compassion. For the final time from Eddie, “My mame in the paper!”
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