Straka, Edward C.

ELMHURST, IL - Edward C. Straka, aged 67, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2024. Born in southwest Wisconsin, he grew up on a farm and knew what a hard day’s work was. After high school, he joined the Navy. He moved to the Chicago area in the 1980’s using skills learned in the Navy to find work and became a Sheet Metal Journeyman.

Edward became an avid runner in his 50’s, participating in many marathons and half marathons and other local races. He enjoyed fishing with his family and friends. He loved to garden and grew potatoes, tomatoes, beets, carrots, radishes, lettuce and recently, raspberries especially enjoyed by his treasured granddaughter, Natalia.

Edward is survived by his wife Mary; son, Douglas (Liliia) Straka; and daughter, Heidi (John) Walkington. He is the grandfather to Natalia. Edward is the son of the late Clarence and the late Evelyn Straka, and dear brother to Marcia (Kevin) Shafer, the late Roger (Eileen) Straka, James (Sally) Straka, Victoria (Larry) Latiolais, Jane (Andrew) Robbins, Kathleen (Steven) Peterson, and Donna (Ernst) Saunders. Ed is dear brother-in-law to Jim (Sue) Pietryga, Tom (Maureen) Pietryga and Kathy (Don) McCowan. He is the uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Ed will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He will be deeply missed.

A visitation will be held at the Episcopal Church of Our Saviour, 116 E. Church Street, Elmhurst, Illinois on Friday, March 22, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. followed by a service beginning at 11:00 a.m. There will be a Celebration of Life announced at a later date for those who may not be able to attend Friday.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be written to a charity of your choice or plant something in your garden and watch it grow.