Edwin J. Timm died Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, at Heartland Health Care Center, Moline, surrounded by his loving family.
A celebration of his life will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Milan. Interment will take place privately at Rock Island National Cemetery, Arsenal Island. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to St. Matthew Lutheran Church, the American Cancer Society or the Lions Eye Bank. Hodgson Funeral Home, Rock Island, is assisting the family.
Edwin J. Timm was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on March 27, 1921, to John J. and Elsie B. Rathje Timm. After his graduation from Franklin High School in that city, his college years were interrupted by World War II. The resulting four-year tour of duty in the Navy included his participation in the Philippine Liberation Campaign.
After graduating from Coe College in Cedar Rapids in 1947, he began his 34-year teaching career in Toledo, Iowa. He married Audrey Jean Hubner on June 6, 1948. His next teaching positions were in the Iowa communities of Wapello and Tipton.
After earning a master's degree from the University of Iowa in 1958, he joined the instrumental music instruction staff of Rock Island Public Schools and continued in that capacity until he retired in 1981.
During his lifelong membership in the Lutheran Church, he served in many capacities. During his retirement years he also pursued his interest in U.S. Naval history. As a result of this avocation, he and Mrs. Timm were invited guests aboard the USS Constitution for the historic ship's July 4, 1988, turnaround cruise in Boston Harbor. Mr. Timm was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Milan, and the Illinois Retired Teachers Association.
Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Audrey, Rock Island; sons and daughters-in-law, John and Patricia Timm, St. Petersburg, Fla., and Robert Timm, Moline; a daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Robert Rauh, East Moline; six grandchildren, two great-grandsons; and eight nieces and nephews.
Mr. Timm was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Barbara L. Timm and Catherine M. Moore.
Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.hodgsonfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
June 8, 2019
Student
Linda Burroughs
Mr. Timm was a wonderful influence on my life. He taught me how to play the cornet in the fifth grade. And I was his student in Band Class for the next eight years. He was an excellent teacher and such a kind, good person. I am sorry to hear of his passing. I wonder if he is teaching music in heaven?
January 1, 2014
Audrey and family: extending our sympathy and prayers for all the family.
Ed certainly had an interesting life, and served his family, country and God well.
"He did his duty handsomely" - from the poem The Old Navy.
Sincerely, Sally & Ron Schroeder (RI - neighbors)
January 1, 2014
Nancy Crispin Hipple
I was a student of Mr. Timm in Tipton in the late 1950's, He was an advocate for me, convincing my parents that I could in the band. I had many wonderful experiences because of his interest and care.
December 31, 2013
Richard J. Runyon
I spent many hours with Mr. Timm learning the trumpet and then the saxophone. He was one of the most patient and kind teachers I had as a child. I still play my instruments to this day and always will remember the times I had well spent with a great teacher and also a great person. He will be missed but always live on in my music as well as others that had him to learn from.
December 31, 2013
Mary Jane Navota
Audrey and family....my sincere sympathy on your loss. May your many memories give you strength in the time to come. Ed was truly one of a kind and I am blessed to have known him.
December 31, 2013
David Todd (RIHS Class of '72)
I am very sorry to hear about your father, Barb. I am also sorry that I didn't know that he taught music in RI. I am sure that he was a great influence to many students.
December 30, 2013
Adrienne Johnson
I am very sorry for your loss. Mr. Timm was my 9th grade band teacher. I bumped into him once at Bolby's years later and he remembered me. He made an impact not only on me but on many students. May he rest in peace.
Adrienne (Yokas) Johnson
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