Edward J. Szaradowski

Edward J. Szaradowski

June 21, 1955 – July 24, 2024

VISITATION: Monday, July 29th from 5pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel, followed by Vigil Service/Celebration of Life/Time of Sharing at 7pm.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Kansasville, Wisconsin at St. Mary Catholic Church, with interment at St. Mary Cemetery in Dover, Wisconsin.  Memorials will be directed by the family.

To view a live broadcast of the Vigil Service/Celebration of Life, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.

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Edward J. Szaradowski of Omaha, NE passed away July 24, 2024 at the age of 69. He was born June 21,1955 in Racine WI.

Ed was born to Genevieve “Jean” and Matthew Sr. “Matt” of Kansasville, Wisconsin. Ed grew up and worked alongside his brothers and sister on the family farm in Kansasville, WI.  Ed and his siblings helped assist by raising chickens, geese and ducks, as well as tending to a large garden. All their hard work kept them semi out of mischief. As Ed grew up, he worked for other farmers by assisting with moving feed and transporting harvested crops to grain elevators and other tasks of course. Ed graduated from Union Grove High School 1973 in Union Grove, WI and Kaplan University earning an associate’s degree in business.

In June of 1975, he married his wife Rose and together they raised 4 daughters: Kim, Karyn, Janet, and Kristine. The family lived in several cities as Ed had many different jobs. He worked at JI Case Company in the accounting division for 20 years and went to several struggling dealerships to help them become more successful. One of his tasks involved securing equipment from farmers in challenging situations. Luckily, Ed had a calm and persuasive personality that he needed when faced with more than one unhappy farmer and was able to talk with the farmers and resolve any issues. He then went onto working for the Diocese of Joliet-in-Illinois under the Most Rev. Joseph L. Imesch.

Ed was active member of St. Jude- Joliet #10637, Knights of Columbus, PGK Joliet Council #382, PFN of Joliet Assembly 4 th Degree #0204, FDD of the Knights of Columbus, Charter District Deputy of councils New Lenox #10926 and Wilmington #11149. Ed was honored by the Joliet Assembly as Class Honoree of 2023 Northern Illinois District of
the Marquette Province 4 th Degree Exemplification. He received the 4 th Degree Masters Award from Master Mike Gill in 1992. Ed was a member of the Knights of Columbus for 40 years.
Even while living in Iowa and Nebraska, Ed served the Joliet Assembly as scribe while attending meetings via Zoom for 2 years. When the consolidation of parishes in Joliet happened in 2023, his council St. Jude-Joliet #10637 was going to be renamed, and Ed suggested the
name of Fr. James Lennon Council #10637 ; the council voted to accept Ed’s recommendation on the council’s new name!

Ed worked for Mobil Oil and then moved to Kansas City, MO where he was area supervisor over stores in Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska and then he moved to Omaha. When Ed moved to Omaha, he became a manager of a Bucky’s convenience store. Ed also worked with the Nebraska Department of Labor – Unemployment Claims. Ed had the job of approving or denying claims from employers and the unemployed.

His calm and persuasive personality once again was needed in dealing with people. Due to Covid, Ed finished his career in the living room of his house while working remotely.

In addition to his family and friends, he loved the Green Bay Packers, of which he was a part owner, and loved the Chicago Cubs. In fact, one of his most fond memories was giving his nephews a share of the Green Bay Packer’s stock for Christmas.

Years ago, you could find Ed on the golf course. Lately, Ed spent much of his time watching the Packers play on TV.

If you know Ed, you know he had many opinions. He was happy to share whether you wanted to hear them or not.  He was an intelligent man and would debate any topic. Ed treasured his time with his family. He would always tell stories of the memorable times of his family picnics as he was growing up on the farm. As an adult, Ed loved spending holidays with his brother Matt and his wife Lynn. Ed enjoyed trips to East Peoria to visit his daughter Kim and her husband Mike Nation. His favorite part of those trips was spending time with some of his grandchildren.

Growing up on the farm, Ed developed a deep love of animals.  Once Ed settled in Omaha, Paul and Ed’s first dog Bouncer was a fun and loving member of the family. Bouncer was obsessed with her green ball and would play fetch for hours on end. They finally hid the ball in the freezer to give their arms a break. Ed’s favorite dog Fee Fee joined the family shortly after. When Paul’s Mom passed away, Winnie the dog completed the family. Throughout the years of Ed’s health challenges, the dogs were there to comfort him. As he continued to struggle with his medical issues, the dogs would lay with him in bed and not leave his side unless Door Dash came!

Ed is survived by Paul Simpson;  his brother Matt (Lynn) Szaradowski;  and by his children, Kim (Michael) Nation of East Peoria, Karyn Szaradowski of Joliet, IL, Kristine (Matt) Kwiatowski of Minooka, IL, Janet Szaradowski of Joliet, IL;  Grandchildren: Rose, Lillian and Violet Nation, Nathaniel, Lukas, Teresa and Thomas Kwiatkowski; Tom Hansen brother- in -law West Lafayette, IN; Cynde (Scott) Murphy, Paul ( Terrie) Szaradowski, Michelle Hansen and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents Matthew Sr. (Matt) and Genevieve (Jean); siblings Walter (Wally) Szaradowksi and Katherine Hansen.

Today, we are sorrowful yet joyful for Ed. He touched many lives. If you knew Ed, there is no doubt you have a story or memory about him. He made an impact no matter where he went. Ed will be greatly missed, and he left a lasting impact on many of us.

Remember to smile and to make an impression on those around you like Ed did for so many. Celebrate each other, make memories, and choose to make a difference in the lives of others. Ed will be missed but will remain in the hearts of so many. His medical struggles are over and now he is celebrating with his dad, mom, brother, sister and Bouncer too.