1955
Edwin
2025
Edwin Wells
June 19, 1955 — October 2, 2025
Edwin Dewain Wells, fondly known as Ed, was born to Katie L. Wells on June 19, 1955. He transitioned from this world on October 2, 2025.
Ed was born in Rockford, Illinois. After attending Washington Middle School, he attended East High School where he was a standout and captain of the football team and was the editor of the school paper. He then attended St. Olaf college in Northfield, Minnesota after which he obtained a master's degree in city planning at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY.
Ed returned to Rockford and founded a successful construction company maximally using his degree in city planning. But he was troubled by the discrimination and poor educational opportunities for black and Hispanic students that he felt was limiting their potential. Ed Wells, despite having no children of his own in the school system, founded People Who Care, a diverse group of Rockford citizens who were interested in equality and a great education for the entire community. A lawsuit brought the long-lived discriminatory practices to light and resulted in millions of dollars available to the Rockford School System. The details of what ensued are very complicated but Ed's love of Rockford and his wanting the best for all children resulted in him making a huge sacrifice by losing his business.
Ed Wells is survived by his mother, Katie L. Wells, brothers Gregory (Sheila) and Jeffery and sister Cynthia. He was also the beloved uncle of Kamaria, Omar and Ahmad.
Stateline Cremation is assisting the family, 6204 Forest Hills Rd., Loves Park, IL 61111. www.statelinecremations.com
Ed was born in Rockford, Illinois. After attending Washington Middle School, he attended East High School where he was a standout and captain of the football team and was the editor of the school paper. He then attended St. Olaf college in Northfield, Minnesota after which he obtained a master's degree in city planning at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY.
Ed returned to Rockford and founded a successful construction company maximally using his degree in city planning. But he was troubled by the discrimination and poor educational opportunities for black and Hispanic students that he felt was limiting their potential. Ed Wells, despite having no children of his own in the school system, founded People Who Care, a diverse group of Rockford citizens who were interested in equality and a great education for the entire community. A lawsuit brought the long-lived discriminatory practices to light and resulted in millions of dollars available to the Rockford School System. The details of what ensued are very complicated but Ed's love of Rockford and his wanting the best for all children resulted in him making a huge sacrifice by losing his business.
Ed Wells is survived by his mother, Katie L. Wells, brothers Gregory (Sheila) and Jeffery and sister Cynthia. He was also the beloved uncle of Kamaria, Omar and Ahmad.
Stateline Cremation is assisting the family, 6204 Forest Hills Rd., Loves Park, IL 61111. www.statelinecremations.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Edwin Wells, please visit our flower store.
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