Edward W. Smolich

Edward W. "Eddie" Smolich, age 91, at rest peacefully on Thursday September 29, 2011 at Provena St. Joseph Medical Center with his family by his side.

Preceded in death by his loving wife Evelyn (nee Mance) Smolich (1985); a son John Edward Smolich (1980), one great-granddaughter; his parents Anton and Catherine (nee Spelich) Smolich, 4 sisters and 3 brothers.

Survived by two loving and devoted daughters; Mary Kay (Bill) Schmitt, and JoAnne (Doug) Marshall. Ed was dearly loved by his grandchildren; Nancy (Scott) Lewandowski, Laura (Louie) Mau, Cathy (Brad) Blankenship, Kelly (Todd) Michael, Brad (Amy) Marshall, Angela (Guadalupe) Reyes, Beth (Kyle) Brown, and John (Amy) Smolich, 17 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Louis Smolich and Rudy (Lois) Smolich; 2 sisters, Maggie Smolich and Francie Sovich. His special loving and devoted friend Irene Vercellino. Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

Ed was born April 14, 1920 in S. Wilmington, IL and has resided in the Joliet area for most of his life. Along with his brother Rudy, they owned and operated Smolich Brothers Sausage Co since 1971. Ed was a veteran of the U.S. Army proudly serving his country during World War II. He fought with the 101st Headquarters Battery Anti-Aircraft Artillery in New Guinea. He received the Bronze Star, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon, American Overseas Victory Ribbon, the Overseas Service Bar, and the American Theatre Campaign Ribbon for his actions. Ed was a Life Member of V.F.W. Cantigny Post #367, and the American Legion Post #1080. He was also a member of; The Joliet Moose Lodge #300, the American Fraternal Union, Joliet Knights of Columbus #382, the St. Joseph Holy Name Society, the Senior Citizens Association, the Old Timer"s Baseball Association, and the Will County Seniors.

Ed will be greatly missed by his family and friends because he was such a caring, outgoing, and a fun-loving guy.

The family of Edward Smolich would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to his good buddy, Dr. Ramesh Patel, for his 32 years of care.

A celebration of Edward's life will begin on Wednesday October 5, 2011 with prayers in the funeral home chapel at 9:15 a.m. then driving in procession to  St. Joseph Church in Joliet for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow with full military honors will Resurrection Cemetery in Romeoville. Visitation will be on Tuesday, October 4, 2011 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Tezak's Home to Celebrate Life (1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet, Illinois)