Edward G. Ancel

Edward G. Ancel has gone to join his dear Olga in heaven just as she once wrote him, ""With God's blessings we'll make this world a wonderful stepping stone into eternity.""

Ed, 89, died on Friday, November 7, 2008 after a full life based on faith and love. Ed was born in Joliet, on September 8, 1919 to Joseph and Barbara (Govednik) Ancel, Slovenian immigrants from Bela Krajina - Metlika.

He graduated from St. Joseph Grade School in 1933, Joliet Catholic High School in 1937, and St Joseph College in 1941 with a B.A. in accounting.

Ed served in the U.S. Army during World War II as an auditor for the Finance Department of the 6th Service Command Headquarters. After the war, Ed married Olga Erjavec on August 24, 1946, and together they lovingly raised six children, Vera, Joseph, Nadine, Carita, Marie and Andrew.

Ed began his career as a Cost Analyst and Accounting Supervisor for U.S. Steel in Joliet in 1946, retiring in 1979. In addition, Ed provided bookkeeping and income tax service to many clients for over 50 years.

In addition to his dedication to his family, Ed was also active in his church and community. Ed was a loyal member of St. Joseph Church. Through the years, Ed served as president of the St. Joseph Parish Council, president of the St. Joseph School Board, chairman of the Finance Committee, member of the Administration Committee, president and treasurer of the St. Joseph Parents School Association, and treasurer of the Holy Name Society. Ed also served as treasurer of the St. Joseph Church Annual Homecoming Fair, was a member of the St. Joseph Centennial Committee and Senior Parishioners, and wrote a detailed history of the parish for the centennial. Ed also greatly enjoyed singing in the St. Joseph Slovenian Choir.

Ed was very proud of his Slovenian ancestry. As a member of KSKJ St. Francis Lodge No. 29, Ed held various lodge offices including Auditor, Treasurer, Recording Secretary, and Financial Secretary for almost 30 years. Ed served as Treasurer of the Joliet KSKJ Lodges for over 25 years, and as Chairman of the Scholarship Committee for the Illinois Federation of KSKJ lodges. Ed also was elected to various KSKJ national committees including the Audit Committee and the Scholarship Committee, serving as Secretary/Treasurer for 30 years. Ed was a delegate to almost every KSKJ National Convention from 1942 through 2002. Ed played on the KSKJ bowling league for over 30 years. In 2007, Ed was selected as KSKJ Life Lodge Person of the Year.

Ed was also involved in other community activities. Ed was a charter member of the American Legion Post No. 1080, where he served as Post Commander, Finance Officer, County Adjutant, Americanism Officer, and Boys State Chairman. Ed was a member of the St. Francis Academy/Joliet Catholic High School Jubilation Committee, serving as the coordinator of the Slovenian Gostilna at the Jubilation fundraiser from 1978 to 1985. He was a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Joliet Council No. 382, a member of the Old Timers Baseball Association, and the Die-Hard Cubs Fan Club. He also served as Junior Achievement leader for many years.

Ed's friends and family fondly recall his steadfast hope and constant frustration waiting until next year for the Chicago Cubs to win a World Series, his readiness to sing old Slovenian songs whenever a button box appeared, and his willingness to assist with any tax questions whether during tax season or not.

His family appreciates that he always worked hard to support his family financially and emotionally, insisted on summer family vacations often to Wisconsin, kept communications open between all the siblings through the years, and had the ability to locate any desired item or service from garage sale finds to car dealers or cabin rentals in distant cities.

His grandchildren remember his love of fishing, fondness for watching birds, and his addiction to ""The Price is Right."" His family and friends are grateful for Ed's example of true marital love and loyalty especially in Ed and Olga's last years together on earth.

Ed's dedication to his family and generosity toward others will live on in the hearts of his children, in-laws, and grandchildren, Vera Muir and Gordon, Joseph and Lupe Ancel, Nadine Ancel, Carita and Scott Girman and Hannah and Maria, Marie and Mark Benko and Max and Annie, and Andy and Pam Ancel and Katie, Elizabeth, and Joe; Ed is also survived by his sister, Marge Franze; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Anthony and Ralph; and sisters, Barbara Zupancic and Anne Stefanic.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to St. Joseph Church Restoration Fund, the Vitas Hospice Charitable Fund, or the American Cancer Society.

From where services will be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at 9:30 am to St. Joseph's Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am. Interment will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday, from 2-8 pm.