Edmund E. “Edd” Kueker

Edmund E. “Edd” Kueker, 87, of Waterloo, died Dec. 25, 2012, in St. Louis.

He was born April 13, 1925, in Red Bud, son of the late Fred C. and Nelda Kueker (nee Kloepper).

He was married to Violet Kueker (nee Hartman); she survives him.

Mr. Kueker was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Waterloo. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, a lifetime member of the Waterloo VFW, and a member and past vice commander of the American Legion.

He earned his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and served as assistant Farm Advisor in Monroe County, led many rural youth organizations, was a past organizer and director of the Monroe County Farm Bureau, and he was a fieldman for MonClair Grain. He was a 4-H member and 23-year leader of the first all 4-H Horse Club, and he taught classes in horse care management and animal science for 20 years.

Mr. Kueker was an original member of the Monroe County Fair Association and was past president of the Waterloo Optimist Club. He was also the author of several history books, retired from the Regional School Board of Monroe and Randolph Counties, and was the owner and operator of Action Auctions Associates.

Some of Mr. Kueker’s awards and achievements include the Illinois State 4-H alumni award and many other 4-H awards, and he was recognized by the Daughters of the American Revolution. He was inducted into the Illinois Auctioneers Hall of Fame in 1995.

He was presented the Paul Harris Award from Rotary International in 2010, named Person of the Year by the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce in 1998, was Grand Marshal of the Waterloo Homecoming Parade in 1997, and Grand Marshal of the Porta Westfalica Parade, and was inducted into the Illinois Department of Aging Hall of Fame in 2012.

Survivors include his wife; nephews Steven (Cindy) Kueker, Richard (Deb) Kueker, Rev. David (Kim) Kueker, Brian A. (Jodi) Kueker, and Kenneth Jr. (Anita) Hartman; niece Rita Jeffries; and sister-in-law Joann Hartmann; along with other extended nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Oliver, Martin and an older brother who died at birth; and sister-in-law Dorothy Kueker.

Visitation was Dec. 28, at Quernheim Funeral Home, Waterloo.

Funeral services were Dec. 29, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Waterloo, Pastor Tony Troup officiating.

Interment followed at Kolmer Memorial Cemetery, Waterloo.

Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Waterloo; Monroe County History Museum, Waterloo; or Monroe County 4-H Foundation.