Mr. Edward J. Dzwonkowski

Edward J. Dzwonkowski, Sr., 91, of Grand Rapids, a happy, funny, generous and loving family man who was the life of whatever party he attended, died peacefully of natural causes on May 13, 2016, at St. Ann’s nursing home in Grand Rapids, where he had resided for the past 14 months. He is survived by Arline, his wife of 39 years; sons John, Ronald (Michelle), Stephen and Paul, daughter Julianne and daughter-in-law Elaine. Edward was preceded in death by his first wife Lottie, the mother of his children, in 1975, and in 2005 by their firstborn son, Edward Jr. Also surviving are stepdaughters Pamela Marzal, Susan Pitzer and stepson Mark Marszal; grandchildren Samantha (Nicholas) Rogalski, Dana (Solomon) Malick, Sara (Timothy) Ferry, Samuel (Sarah) Stroud, Kaley (Shawn) Fairbairn, Grace Dzwonkowski, Julie (Chad) Petersen, Jessica Stroud, Andrew Dzwonkowski and Lucas Dzwonkowski; great grandchildren Shelby and Braedyn Rogalski, Shawn, Brooklyn and Kingston Fairbairn; Dakota and Hunter Petersen; and Everly Malick. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1924, Ed retired in 1994 after a long and successful career as a manufacturer’s representative for Essex International. Known on the road as “Eddie Bell,” he was a trusted and well-liked supplier to dozens of industrial customers in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Pennsylvania. Renowned for his quick wit, speaking skill and effortless dancing grace, Ed was an ice skater, swimmer, hockey and softball player and an avid golfer who, at 73, shot his age. In retirement, Ed redeveloped his passion for precision leather work, appearing at various schools in west Michigan to teach the craft to children. He made finely tooled leather wallets, purses, and even caps for everyone in his family. Ed was a devout Catholic and a devoted husband and father who was always more interested in helping than in criticizing. His grandchildren will remember him for many things, including the “grandpa float” during summer good times at Uncle Eddie’s cottage and the “money jar” he brought to each year’s family Christmas party, holding a year’s worth of his pocket change for the kids to scoop out. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in the chapel at St. Ann’s, 2161 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids. The family will receive visitors Tuesday from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at the Arsulowicz Brothers Remembrance Mortuary, 3525 Remembrance Rd N.W. where the Rosary will be prayed at 7:30 PM. Private interment will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield.

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Mr. Edward J. Dzwonkowski

November 15, 1924 - May 13, 2016