Mr. Rodney “Rod” Murk, 71, of Edelstein, Illinois died 5:40 a.m. Monday, November 18, 2024, at his home.
He was born April 25, 1953, to Edwin H. and Florence R. (Zuck) Murk in Galesburg, Illinois. He married Julia Vollmar on May 4, 1991, in Galesburg.
Surviving is his wife of 33 years, Julia Murk of Edelstein, his daughter, Amelia Rose Murk of Edelstein, his son, Daniel Otto Murk of Dunlap, Illinois, a sister, Rebecca Goss of Galesburg, a brother-in-law, Don Adams of North Henderson, Illinois three nephews, Jim Goss, Bob Goss, and Mike Adams, two nieces, Jane Griffith and Michelle Adams, several great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Barbara Adams, and a brother-in-law, Jerry Goss.
Rod was born and raised a farm boy, south of Galesburg. He graduated from Galesburg High School in 1971. He continued his education at Kearney State College in Kearney, Nebraska where he also played football. He graduated from Kearney State College in 1975. Upon graduating, he sold vaccines and pharmaceuticals to veterinarians in Nebraska and surrounding states. He then moved back to Illinois in 1982 where he started Central States Power Fence Company. After selling his company, he then worked for Caterpillar Logistics in Morton, Illinois for 16 years and retired.
Rod loved working outdoors with landscaping and had a particular relationship with all the wildlife. The birds, bunnies, and squirrels loved him because he kept them fed and watered. He was an avid Nebraska Cornhusker football fan and could tell you all about them. He was always wearing something RED! He loved playing sports with his son Dan, and singing songs with his daughter, Amy. His most memorable thought was on his first date, December 16, 1990, with Julia. He bought a pizza, and they watched “White Christmas” at her apartment which started an annual tradition that has carried on for almost 34 years.
Cremation will be accorded. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, November 24, 2024, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. at the chapel with Pastor Marty Hunt officiating. A private committal service will be at a later date in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens in Galesburg. Memorials may be made to the Akron-Princeville Ambulance in Princeville, Illinois. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
