Rev. Izell Ike Easterling was born to the union of Stonewall and Paulina Easterling in Statesboro, Georgia on March 30, 1945. At the age of 67, he died at1351 Day Street in Green Bay, WI, on Wednesday, July 4, 2012. The cause was Colon Cancer.

Izell was born in Georgia; however he lived in California, New York, Florida, and Illinois before settling in Wisconsin. Most knew him as Ike, his middle name. He worked at Howard Hughes as an Engineer until retiring in 1997.

Ike found his life partner and best friend, Earley Mae Benton in 1974 in Chicago, IL. When they met, he told her he was in the Windy City to play the Blues and try out for the Chicago Bears. Little did they both know, that they would raise their own team of ten children.

Ike valued education and believed in the power of knowledge. He held a degree in Mechanical Engineering, History, Marketing and Business. He was also a Certified Mechanic and Welder. Before losing his battle with Cancer, he was pursuing a degree in Alcohol & Drug Counseling. In addition, to being educated he was a talented Musician. He taught himself to play the piano at nine years old. Among the piano, he played the guitar, saxophone, flute, triumph, harmonica, trombone, and drums.

Ike was a God Loving and Fearing man. He professed God’s Goodness humbly to his children, family, friends, and anyone who wanted to know more. He was a man of great philosophy, encouragement, wisdom, talents, humor, and love. He knew how to make people forget about their troubles by saying something uplifting, making you laugh with his jokes, or by just listening.

Ike leaves to cherish his joyful memories his longtime companion, his wife, Earley Easterling, one sister, two brothers, ten children, and thirty- two children.

Ike was known by many as the Doctor, Preacher, Teacher, and Counselor, yet more importantly he was a Loving Husband, Father (Pop’s), Granddad, Brother, and Uncle. Yes, he will be missed and His music will continue to play in our hearts.

Family and friends may call at the Kingdom Agenda Christian Church, 621 Pine St. from 9 until 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 9, 2012. Funeral Service 11:00 a.m. Monday at the church. Burial 2:00 p.m. at Woodlawn Cemetery. Online condolences welcome at www.PfotenhauerFuneralHome.com

PFOTENHAUER Funeral Homes & Cremation Service  (920) 468-4870

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