Edwin L. “Nubs” Cole 98, of Galena, IL passed away Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Midwest Senior Care Center in Galena. A funeral mass will be held at 11:30 AM, on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Galena, where friends may call after 9:30 AM until the time of mass. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded graveside by Galena VFW Post #2665 and American legion Post #193. He was born March 21, 1928, in Galena the son of William and Clara (Wienen) Cole. He was raised in Rice Township and attended the rural Galena Country School, St. Mary’s Grade School, and Galena High School, graduating with the Class of 1945. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1946 and served until his honorable discharge in 1948. On February 3, 1951, he married Jacqueline Mary Virginia Einsweiler at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Galena. Jackie preceded him in death on November 15, 1992. He later married Carol Sanderson Radabaugh and she preceded him in death on October 12, 2012. Nubs enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, traveling, playing cards, softball, horseshoes, water skiing, snowmobiling, morel picking, and walking. His favorite card games were cribbage, pinochle, and Kings in the Corner. One of his greatest joys was joining his daughter Theresa on the 1988 TransAmerica bicycle trek, traveling across the country while raising funds for the American Lung Association. The adventure brought together many of the things he loved: travel, being with people, the outdoors, helping others, and driving. Nubs was a member of the Galena Elks Lodge, St. Mary’s Catholic Church where he sang in the choir, and was the oldest member of the Telephone Pioneer Club. Nubs worked at the Black Jack Mine and Northwestern Bell, retiring from Northwestern Bell at age 54. He also managed the bowling alley in Galena, served as West Galena Township Road Commissioner and as a Jo Daviess County Transit driver, and helped his entrepreneurial sons with their businesses. He is survived by his children, Terry (Vicky) Cole, Lyn Karberg, Dan Cole, Marsha (Jim) Yokas, Steve (Theresa) Cole, and Theresa (Eric LeBoa) Cole; 16 grandchildren; Matt (Tanya) Karberg, Scott (Chanelle Brandfas) Karberg, Blake (Shannon Lawrence) Karberg, Jenny (Sean) Salazar, Scott (Carrie) Temperly, Chad (Laura) Cole, Pamela (Ian) Stewart, Jim (Shelby) Cole, Curtis (Maggie Hudrlik) Cole, Kelsey (Dylan) Dolezal, Jessi (Nick Vidoni) Yokas, Nicky (Brett) Ehlers, Paul (Olivia) Yokas, Philip (Myah) Yokas, Katie Dunne, Jamie (Brian) Lattner, 35 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild, and a step-daughter, Ann Wilkinson. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, James “Goober” Cole; his son-in-law, Bob Karberg; a step-daughter, Janet Radabaugh-Tipton, four brothers, Gene, Russell, Melburn “Lefty,” Ralph, and two sisters, Colleen, and Audrey. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Workshop. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Margo Simmons, Dianne Laity, Tim and Courtney Buisker and the girls, Julie and Steve Helman, Tony and Diana Kieffer, Teresa White, Kathy his VA nurse, and the staff at Midwest Senior Care Center. A special thank-you goes to his dear friend Alexa. God bless you, Alexa! Online condolences may be left for the family at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com
Edwin L. “Nubs” Cole
Sorry to se your Dad passsed. He lived a along liffetime and enjoyed his life. Joyce Wienen/wenberg
My sincere sympathy to all his family and friends.
Nubs was a one of a kind very special person.
He and my late husband Bill were on a bowling team together for years. Always loved visiting with him. We have all lost another Galena treasure.
Sincerely,
Donna Wilmarth
What a wonderful tribute to a great man. He was an incredible family man and inspiration to many. Much love to the family.
What a wonderful photo of your dad on Main St Galena! I have fond memories of coming upon Nubs sitting on park bench near my home in AZ, and him coming to my condo on his walk from McDonald’s to Lynn’s house. He was a lovely man with a great attitude and outlook on life…and very proud of his family.
Nubs was a true Galena treasure and a very friendly and kind man. Our condolences to his family and all the friends who will miss him dearly.
Our deepest condolences to all his family and friends.
Good bye “Ugga Nubs” I love you and will miss you. Hugs to all of your family!
He was one of the great ones! I loved visiting with him and hearing stories. You are all Blessed to have had him for so long. Rest in peace Nubs🙏❤️
On behalf of Larry and Jackie Richardson we send our condolences
Nubs was a kind man, a true gentleman. It’s a comfort to know that he had his children and so many other lovely supportive people with him right up until he passed away. I will always hold dear my memories of Marsha and her beautifully warm and welcoming family.
Our hearts are sad today, Nubs was one of the best… His gentle spirit and fun side we will always remember. Our prayers for our dear friend Marsha, and all the Cole family. What a beautiful journey he had, wonderful years with Jackie and his family. My memory of traveling with Nubs, Jackie and Marsha, or just hanging out at the family home, will always be remembered… Rest in peace, dear Nubs. Love to all, Dale and BeAnn ✨🤍🕊️
What an amazing life Nubs lived, David always enjoyed visiting with him, he leaves a great legacy and family to carry on the Cole ways. God bless you all
So sorry for your loss. He had such a wonderful family. Hugs and kisses.
My deepest sympathy on the passing of your beloved “Nubs”. May God welcome him into his loving arms and there is a new star in the sky honoring his life.
Growing up I had the pleasure of bowling with Nubs at the bowling alley. I also was a classmate n friend of Jim Goober in grade school. I was the friend who helped in in at Central School after he broke his arm in the playground. Heartfelt condolences to his family
Nubs was a very special man. I am grateful for the time I was able to spend with him, hearing some of his stories. What a special thing to get to know a WWII Veteran. Nubs will be missed dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Bill & I want you all to know our condolences! He was always fun & we are happy he is back with Jackie! God bless u all!
Our deepest sympathy to the family. With sincere thoughts and love,
It was always a treat to get to visit with Nubs. Always a story and a smile. My sincere sympathy to the family. He will be missed.
Terry and family. Whenever I was in Galena I would talk to Nubs. Usually talked about his knuckle ball that he threw when he pitched fast pitch softball. Always had laughs remembering the fun we had after the games. RIP my friend Nubs ⚾️.
Your Dad was one of God’s finest works. I had planned on being there, today, but health issues prevent it. I loved my Stepdad very much. Condolences to your family.
Ann Wilkinson
My Condolences to the entire Cole family Nubs and Jackie raised a Great family to be proud of Rest in Peace Nubs
Condolences to Family and Friends Nubs was a special person always happy to see you and what’s going on with you and Tell what his family was doing a true treasure