Joseph "Big Joe" B. Eastman

Joseph “Big Joe” B. Eastman, 76, of Rock Island, passed away Wednesday, January 13, 2021 peacefully at home surrounded by family.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 am Saturday, January 16, 2021 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 312 1st Street, Milan.  A rosary will be recited at 8:45 am followed by visitation from 9 – 10 am Saturday at church.  Masks and social distancing required.  Burial will be at Rose Lawn Cemetery, Moline.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in care of St. Ambrose Catholic Church or Trinity United Methodist Church, both of Milan.

Big Joe was born in Moline, Illinois on August 22, 1944, a son of Burtis and Cora Saturn Eastman.  He graduated from Moline High School in 1963 and married his high school sweetheart, Rosella DePooter, on April 4, 1964 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Moline.

Big Joe loved to work and owned and operated, Joe’s Bargain Barn in Milan, Illinois.

Big Joe was a “cheerful giver,” a friend to everyone and never met a stranger.  He will be remembered as a kind and generous husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  He was always there to help anyone in need.

Big Joe enjoyed fishing, working with model airplanes, storytelling and spending time with his wife, family and friends.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 56 years, Rosella Eastman, Rock Island; children, Laura (Jeff) Boemecke, Taylor Ridge, Joe R. Eastman, East Moline and Dan (Julie) Eastman, Rock Island; grandchildren, Brice (Megan) Boemecke, Renae (Hunter) Andrews, Jeffrey (Amber) Hindman, Tim (Markaye) Eastman, Lily (Brooks Wilkinson) Eastman, Austin (Keely Kirkbride) Eastman and Clair Eastman; six great-grandchildren; and brother, John (Jeanette) Eastman, Moline.

He was preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter, Victoria “Tor” Rose Eastman.

Online condolences at wheelanpressly.com

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