Funeral services for Esequiel Bernardo "Bernie" Rangel, 76, formerly of Silvis, IL, will be 10 am Thursday, September 22, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, Silvis. Burial will be in Rock Island National Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-7 pm Wednesday at the Van Hoe Funeral Home, East Moline, where a rosary will be recited at 3 pm. Mr. Rangel passed away Friday, September 9, 2022, at St. Joseph's Hospital, Tampa, FL.

Bernie was born September 28, 1945, in Moline, IL, the son of Hilario and Lena (Blanco) Rangel. Bernie proudly served his country in the US Army, and then as an instructor in the US Marine Corp. Reserves and the US Army Reserves. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Master Sergeant after over 30 years of service.

Bernie's passion in life was learning. He graduated from UTHS Class of '63 and later taught there. He excelled in cross country and wrestling. He attended Blackhawk College, Augustana College and received a BS from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, earned technical certificates from Scott Community College in welding, auto body mechanics, diesel mechanics and auto repair. He was in the process of earning a graduate degree at Western Illinois University when his devotion to being a caretaker for his parents resulted in an 11 year pause in his studies.

Bernie worked at Rock Island Lines, ADM, International Harvester, and retired as a Union Carpenter. His many interests included officiating wrestling, volleyball, basketball, football, softball, and baseball. His favorite sport was basketball, but he

was most proud of his collegiate volleyball officiating experience.

He married Catherine (Coker) Creighton September 8, 2019, on the beach at sunset at MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, FL.

Survivors include his wife, Catherine Creighton, Urbandale, IA; stepson, Paul (Sarah) Creighton, Davenport, IA; step-grandchildren, Miley and Owen Creighton; siblings, Estella (John Morgan) Rangel, Rolling Meadows, IL, Cecilia Rangel, Rock Island, IL, Mike Rangel, Davenport, IA; brother-in-law, Maurice Schaecher, Des Plaines, IL; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Richard Rangel, Arthur Rangel, Dolores Rangel, Hilario (Henry) Rangel and Bernadette Schaecher.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to USA Softball of Illinois for their umpire training program.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.vanhoe.com.

Send Memorials to:

Jon Hand, USA Softball of Illinois

21625 E. County Line Rd

Maple Park, Illinois 60151

c/o Umpire Training Fund