Edward Hoeffken

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Edward M. Hoeffken, 67, of Swansea, IL, born February 22, 1953, in Clayton, MO, died Tuesday, September 22, 2020, at his residence.

Mr. Hoeffken was the vice president of Hoeffken Brothers Construction Company, Gracious Living Inc, and Home Concepts Home Builders.

Ed was a life member of AMA (American Motorcyclist Association) and the Belleville Enduro Team. Ed held various offices and acted as competition director for the organization. He also was the AMA Amateur Nationals competition coordinator, was an ARCA official for ten years, and more recently, a partner in Bedrock Raceway. He assisted in the development of local motorcycle, kart and micro talents. He truly dedicated himself to the promotion of racing in motorsports.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Katie Hoeffken Myers; and his father, Maurice E. Hoeffken.

Surviving are his partner in life of 36 years, Debbie Lands;
his son, E. J. Hoeffken;
his mother, Bernice, nee Grimmer, Hoeffken, of Millstadt, IL;
two sisters, Jan (Tom) Shipley of Rolla, MO, and Jody (Ray) Page of Millstadt, IL;
nieces and nephews, Marc Shipley, Matt (Ashley) Shipley, Bernadette Kapes (fiancé, Doug Kinder), and Gwen (Jake) Rodriguez;
a great-niece, Cora Kinder;
and two great-nephews, Chad Betlach and Jett Rodriguez.

Memorials may be made to Rookies of 79 or to Heartland Hospice.  Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation:  Friends may visit with the family from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, September 26, 2020, at St. James Parish Center, Millstadt, IL. Standard CDC guidelines will be observed upon entrance.

Funeral:  A Memorial Mass will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 26, 2020, at St. James Parish Center, Millstadt, IL, with Msgr. James Volk officiating.

A Celebration of Life will follow from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Catholic War Veterans, Route 159, Belleville, IL.

Private burial will be held at a later date.

Condolences:

23 Comments on Edward Hoeffken

Marcia and Matt Wever said : Guest Report Oct 01, 2020 at 4:52 PM

Jody and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Ed was a great guy and will be missed.

  • St louis
  • Mo
Margaret Mertens said : Guest Report Sep 28, 2020 at 10:51 AM

To Deb and Ed's entire family, Over the course of our decades long friendship, Ed was "Steady Eddie," and my beloved "Slave." Ed's heart and personality was as big as his laugh. He was smart, kind, loyal, and SO MUCH FUN. Ed, thank you for the memories. I love you, and I will never forget the times we had together. Much love to Deb, Bernice, Jody, Jan, E.J., and the rest of the family. God bless and may he rest in peace.

  • Clearwater
  • FL
Robert Martin said : Guest Report Sep 27, 2020 at 10:18 PM

Deepest sympathy to family, fond memories working with Ed at ARCA.

  • Palm Coast
  • FL
Thane Browning said : Guest Report Sep 26, 2020 at 8:36 AM

It’s been a long time since I last saw you in Belleville during my days at Parks, and at the lake when we were younger. Always a hoot, and always with a smile when I saw you. Sorry for the news. Peace.

  • Dallas
  • GA
Ken and Mary Juracek said : Guest Report Sep 26, 2020 at 7:56 AM

Dear Aunt Sis, Jan, Jody and Debbie, Please know we're sending you our love and support on this very difficult day. As I read all the loving condolences sent to you from friends and family I can only conclude that Eddie's life was "an excellent adventure".

  • Saint Cloud
  • FL
Alan J Yung said : Guest Report Sep 26, 2020 at 2:40 AM

See you on the other side Ed Rest In Peace. BET will carry on. Thanks for what you did.

  • Belleville
  • IL
John D Conrath said : Guest Report Sep 25, 2020 at 10:37 PM

My most sincere condolences to the entire Hoefken family. I was lucky enough to know Ed in our younger years during carefree, endless summers at Westhaven Pool. In the summer between 6th and 7th grade I had the opportunity to attend a speech and debate class known as the Lincoln Douglas Summer Institute. It was held at the old Belle Valley South school. Most kids that age don't like the thought of being nudged into any form of summer school. What a relief on the 1st day when I saw Ed in the class. He actually helped make the class enjoyable and fun. In our 20s we were able to share some good times at The Lake of the Ozarks with his boat berthed at Link's Landing near a mutual friend's. Having lost touch with him after moving to Texas nearly 40 years ago we at least reconnected on Facebook and had a few conversations. It was fun following his passion for racing. Thanks for coming along, Ed! Knowing people like you is what makes life great. Gone from "this mortal coil" but not forgotten, my friend!

  • Dallas
  • TX
Diane Johnson said : Guest Report Sep 25, 2020 at 10:02 PM

Debbie, we were so shocked and so sad about Ed! He was such a nice, nice, friendly guy. We know you will miss him terribly!

  • Belleville
  • Ill
Bret T Boyd said : Guest Report Sep 25, 2020 at 5:59 PM

Wow, I had you were ill I just didn't know it was terminal being the Checkered flagman for years at BET we definitely had some fun times. We all had that passion for racing. I appreciate all the great conversations thru out the the years. GODS SPEED my friend

  • O'Fallon
  • IL
Jim and Terri Hylsky said : Guest Report Sep 25, 2020 at 5:36 PM

You are all in our prayers during this difficult time. May the memories of Ed and the laughter of the good times help you heal your hearts.

  • Princeton
  • KY
Tom & Cathy Grimmer said : Guest Report Sep 25, 2020 at 4:04 PM

Our most sincere sympathies to Aunt Sis, Debbie, Jody, & Jan. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  • Titusville
  • Florida
Tammy said : Guest Report Sep 25, 2020 at 2:08 PM

Deb & family, Ed was a wonderful man always filled with fun & laughter. We'll cherish our times at BET with you. Tammy & Mike

  • Eustace
  • Texas
David Fehlker said : Guest Report Sep 25, 2020 at 12:49 PM

My deepest condolences to Debbie, Jan and Jody for your loss. Prayers for the family.

  • Smithville
  • TX
Bill & Martha Milburn said : Guest Report Sep 25, 2020 at 12:22 PM

Dear Bernie, Debbie, Jan, Jody, EJ and extended family Please except our condolences. Your are in our thoughts and prayers. Ed will always be remembered as “Little Ed” and we will always keep loving memories in our hearts. We remember seeing Ed and Debbie floating for hours in the lake at West Fork and just enjoying each other’s company. We will always remember the family Christmas parties when we were growing up. We have been truly blessed and Ed was one of those blessings. Take care of each other during this difficult time. Love Bill and Martha

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Mark Young said : Guest Report Sep 25, 2020 at 10:56 AM

My deepest sympathy. RIP Ed

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Bob & Joyce Dintelmann said : Guest Report Sep 25, 2020 at 8:27 AM

Our sympathy to Bernice and all the family.

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Pamela Wrigley said : Guest Report Sep 25, 2020 at 8:07 AM

Deb, May the joy and love you shared together remain in your heart and in your memories for years to come. You are in my thoughts and in my prayers

  • Chester
  • Illinois
Pamela Wrigley Mauser said : Guest Report Sep 25, 2020 at 8:03 AM

Dear Deb, you are in my thoughts and prayers. May you find joy in your memories

  • Chester
  • Il
Brandon Lindemann said : Guest Report Sep 24, 2020 at 10:53 PM

My buddy Ed, this is a tough pill to swallow. We had so many awesome talks over the years about racing in all different divisions. A passion I shared with you my friend! However, I could never have done 1% for the racing community compared to what you did!! BET will never be the same, especially Springfield! The years I was was able to flag turn 3 with you will never be forgotten!! We smiled a lot about watching the racing we loved and your friendship to me was 2nd to none! I always hoped when I heard you got ill you would get strong enough to spend more time with you, unfortunately it wasn't meant to be. I use to love going upstairs at BET to tell ya about a class change for a rider and the look on your face was priceless. Lol. I'd have to get ya to laugh and always left the room laughing with ya! I love ya Ed!! This SUCKS!! Great man, gone too soon! Deb, we are here for you!

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Joe Wrubel said : Guest Report Sep 24, 2020 at 6:31 PM

You have been a truly solid friend for 50 years. Catch ya later

  • Millstadt
  • Il
E.J. Hoeffken said : Guest Report Sep 24, 2020 at 7:39 AM

I wish all this would have played out differently, but you once told me you can’t change the past. I am glad that your pain and suffering are over now, and you can rest easy. Love You Dad.

  • Denver
  • Colorado
Karl Kegel said : Guest Report Sep 23, 2020 at 7:55 PM

Ed, you were always there when we needed you. you will be missed! you'll be organizing races in heaven, and doing the corner work. May God speed!

  • Rockford
  • Il.
Jim Renner said : Guest Report Sep 23, 2020 at 5:20 PM

My sincerest sympathies to Debbie, Jan, Jody and Eddies family members He was always FAST EDDIE to me since our highschool years. He loved anything fast and was always a fun person to be around. Will be remembered in my prayers

  • Belleville
  • Ill

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