It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Elke Armstrong, nee Joswig, on Sunday, September 1, 2024, at the age of 72.  A beloved Mom, Omi, Sister, and Friend, Elke departed far too soon, and her passing will leave many hearts heavy, yet filled with treasured memories.

Elke was born in Germany on March 27, 1952, to Horst and Anneliese Weichert Joswig. After spending her childhood in Canada, Elke moved back to Germany to work and travel, but eventually made her home in Moline, Illinois.  Elke effortlessly nurtured friendships with countless neighbors, colleagues and friends, often becoming another member of their families.  Her family is comforted knowing that she was surrounded by so much love.

Elke was a department manager for Mediacom (formerly Cox Cable) for 43 years, and she retired in 2018.  She is revered by her former colleagues, many of whom she maintained friendships with long after her retirement.

Elke had a passion and a flair for gardening, as anyone could see in her dazzling floral displays every year.   For those who could not enjoy them in person, there were many photographs shared, as she was rarely seen without a camera in hand.   For over 20 years, Elke participated in the Quad Cities Festival of Trees, spending countless hours with friends to create original, stunning Christmas trees and displays, all in an effort to ensure others would have access to quality, enriching arts programs.  She received numerous accolades over the years and would proudly share these with her friends and family.

She spent the last few years fostering dogs, enhancing the lives of many vulnerable fur babies, one of whom, named Lisa, she could not bear to part with.

Elke was a proud mother to Paul (Sally) Armstrong and a cherished Omi to Ayden Armstrong.  She will be deeply missed by her mother, Anneliese Pelzer, of Woodstock, Ontario; her brother, Frank Joswig and his family, of Guelph, Ontario; and her sister, Doris Grambow, and her family of Woodstock, Ontario.  She will be lovingly remembered by her lifelong friend, Mary Morabito, of Bright, Ontario.   Her beloved friend, Jennifer Carpenter (Davenport, Iowa), and her entire family, adored Elke as one of their own, and they will cherish the memories made around their table.

Per Elke's wishes, cremation rites were accorded.  There will be a Celebration of Life on October 12th, 2024, from 11am until 2pm at Mighty Fortress Church, 4605 3rd St in Moline, IL.

Elke's family wishes to thank the numerous close friends who sat vigil in the last weeks, sharing memories, providing support, and surrounding Elke and her family with love and comfort.

Memorials may be made in care of K9 Kindness Rescue in Bettendorf, Iowa, the organization that Elke collaborated with, and where she found her fur baby, Lisa.   Checks can be mailed to the organization directly, or can be given at the Celebration of Life, to then be forwarded on.  Donations can also be made via PayPal at www.k9kindnessrescue.org

Online condolences, memories and expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at wheelanpressly.com