Edwin Walczak

Edwin Walczak, age 97, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2024. “Ed” loving husband and father, beloved Uncle and Grandfather, was preceded in death by his father Peter, mother Mary, sister Adeline Konwinski, brother Leonard, and his wife of 59 years, Dorothy nee Mroz. Ed is survived by his son, Alan, daughter-in-law, Joy, two granddaughters, their spouses, five great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews from the Tilton, Wozniak, Mroz and Konwinski families. Ed was the last surviving family member from his generation and his loss will be felt by many. Ed was born and raised on Grand Rapids’ westside in the Sacred Heart neighborhood. He attended Union High School, but quit in his junior year to enlist in the navy during World War II. He served on an LST in the Pacific and was poised with his fleet to invade Japan when the Japanese surrendered on his 19th birthday. Ed returned to Grand Rapids, finished high school, and learned watch repair as a side trade which he practiced well into his 80’s. He worked full-time for over 40 years at Lear Seigler, which became Smiths Industries. He retired from the maintenance department. Shortly after returning from the service, Ed met Dorothy Mroz, pursued her in a whirlwind courtship and proposed to her after just 6 weeks. They married in 1948 and remained happily so until Dorothy’s passing in 2008, almost 60 years. Ed and Dorothy had one son, Alan, born in 1950. Ed’s main priorities in life were his family and his friends. His life contained constant visits to and from family, summer vacations up north in Michigan and working with Dorothy to make their home and garden beautiful. Ed and Dorothy had a group of life-long treasured friends from grade school and high school -- their “gang”-- with whom they spent every New Years eve and traveled often to weekend Polka fests. Normally a reserved individual, he could break out and entertain you with a polka on his accordion, his dry sense of humor, or rob you at the poker table. Ed rarely missed a baseball game or track meet of Alan’s. He taught him to bat, throw, drive, fish and bowl. He also taught him about respect, principles, discipline, the dignity of work and the value of family. Ed worked as a means to support his family and to fulfill a life of peace, security and enjoyment. He was a model of a good work ethic, and of kindness and generosity. He faced adversity with courage and never complained unless it was about politicians. That remained until the end, when his nurses at St. Ann’s would check in on him and he would respond every time in Polish with “wszystko w porzadku” (everything is fine). A service in Ed’s honor will be held at Holy Spirit Parish on Thursday, July 25, 2024. A visitation will start at 11:00 am, followed by a service at noon, and a lunch after. Ed will be interred at Holy Cross Cemetery alongside the love of his life, Dorothy. In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to may donate to the Holy Spirit Educational Fund, a veteran’s organization, or a charity of their choice.

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Edwin Walczak

August 15, 1926 - July 13, 2024