Edward John Ovca

In journalism, there’s a common principle to leave no stone unturned. For Edward John Ovca, longtime owner and editor of the Free Press Progress, it was more than a good rule of thumb. It was a way of life for 95 remarkable years. After a brief illness, Edward passed away peacefully on November 7, 2025, in Springfield, IL., surrounded by his family.

Ed was born August 17, 1930, in Nokomis, IL, to John and Mary Ovca. From the start, he was drawn to the people and stories tucked inside his community. By age 11, he had found his place at the Free Press Progress - starting as a floor sweeper and working his way up to the press room.

Not long after graduating from Nokomis High School in 1947, Ed embarked on two new journeys: studying Offset Lithography at Rankin Trade School in St. Louis, MO, and marrying the love of his life, Eleanor Schneider, in 1949.

For 75 years, the couple was inseparable. They traveled extensively through Europe, including Italy, Germany, France, and Austria. They toured Egypt, Russia, and all of the United States. At home, they enjoyed listening to St. Louis Cardinals games on the radio, sharing sandwiches, and besting their children in family card games.

In 1953, Ed purchased the Free Press Progress in partnership with Irene Vandever. He was named Publisher and Editor of the paper, a position he held for the next 30 years until he sold the business and retired to spend more time with his family.

Throughout his career, he was invested in improving the community. Serving on the Nokomis Chamber of Commerce, City Council, and School Board was a way of giving back. He was a dedicated Rotarian with membership for over 40 years.

Outside of work, Ed was an avid fisherman. Known to many as “Captain Ed,” he was a member at Sportsman’s Lake for many years and held a Shelbyville Lake record for Muskie. His catch is proudly displayed in his den, much to Eleanor’s protest.

In his 95 years, Edward made an immeasurable impact on his community and those around him. He will be remembered for his civic involvement, patience, wisdom, and dedication to his family. Edward is survived by his wife of 75 years Eleanor (Schneider), children Edward Jr. (Patricia), Taylorville, Michael, Taylorville, Eric, Nokomis, and Kathy (Kevin) DeWerff, Bloomington, as well as his grandchildren Michael (Sarah) Ovca and Lauren (Ryan) Kinports, Marie (Dan) Neville, Joseph (Ashley) DeWerff, and John (Alexis) DeWerff, and great grandchild Rosie Marie Neville.

Funeral services for Edward will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the United Methodist Church of Nokomis. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Burial will take place at Nokomis Cemetery. Stiehl Dawson Funeral Home of Nokomis is assisting the family. Memorials can be made to the Nokomis United Methodist Church or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

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