AMHERST – Edward E. Ikerd, 93, longtime resident of Amherst, NH, died peacefully on May 22, 2021 at the Community Hospice House, Merrimack, NH.

He was born in Omaha, Nebraska on February 10, 1928, the son of Kenneth E. and Virginia (Seagle) Ikerd. He was raised and educated in Indianapolis, Indiana, and graduated from Thomas Carr Howe High School. Upon graduation he enlisted in the Navy and served on the SS Stephen Potter from June 1946- April 1948. He then went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Indiana University in 1952, before doing another Naval active duty tour from September 1952-September 1954. He would go on to be a member of the Naval Reserves and served a total of 26 years.

Ed met his wife Elizabeth (Bergstrom) while working at General Electric, MA, in their Financial Management Training Program and they married in 1958. They resided in Medway, MA and had 3 children before the family moved to Amherst, NH in 1970 while Ed was employed as an accountant for Raytheon Corporation. He retired from Raytheon after 25 years, in 1992.

He loved supporting his children in all their sporting and school activities. He coached youth sports and later was known for attending every high school sporting event his children ever participated in. When his kids were no longer in school sports, Ed continued to attend local men’s and women’s high school sporting events, even earning recognition from the local boosters for being such a loyal fan. He was active in the community as well serving as the treasurer for Souhegan School District SAU 39 for many years. He supported the local SHARE Outreach. He was also a member of the Masons and North Pack Lodge.

Ed was a longtime member of the Amherst Congregational Church. He was the church treasurer for many years and was active in the Men’s Group and many other committees.

He was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth (Bergstrom) Ikerd, who died in 2012.

He was also predeceased by his sisters Marvel Day and Karyl McKean.

Family members include three children and their spouses, Martha Ikerd and Paul Desrochers of Boxborough, MA, Stacey and Eric Herrman of Stonington, CT, and Greg and Lisa Ikerd of Wilton, NH; four grandchildren, Nathan and Olivia Desrochers, and Nicholas and Danielle Herrman.

Ed will be remembered as an avid reader who was generous towards his church and other charitable organizations. But mostly he will be remembered for his love of his family.

Memorial donations in honor of Ed may be sent to any of the following:

Congregational Church of Amherst, Amherst, NH

SHARE Outreach, Milford, NH

Community Hospice House, Merrimack, NH

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com.