Edwin Joseph Malszewski

Edwin Joseph Malszewski, age 96, of Mount Prospect, IL, passed away surrounded by the loves of his life on Sunday, March 10. Ed was born on July 10, 1927 in Chicago, IL. Ed grew up the son of two Polish immigrants, Joseph and Victoria Malszewski, in Bucktown. He grew up speaking Polish everyday with his family. Ed’s Polish heritage would be a source of pride his entire life. When Ed was 18, he met his soulmate, Joan, at a social dance organized by Holstein Park. Ed was drafted in October 1945 to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, a month after World War II ended in the Pacific. They courted through long distance letters while Ed was stationed at Fort Belvoir, VA. When Ed received new orders to Hawaii, Ed and Joan were married on May 9, 1946 at St. John Berchman’s Parish in Chicago. Ed loved to re-tell this story and say he needed a “permission slip” from his parents as he was two months shy of 19. Ed worked as a topographic draftsman in Hawaii. It was here that a life-long love of Hawaii was born. He would travel back to Hawaii many times over his life with his wife, daughters and grandchildren. When he returned from his service in the Army, Joan and Ed lived in a two-flat apartment in Belmont- Cragin neighborhood. It was here they started their beautiful life together with the birth of their first daughter. They made many lifelong friends in the city. Ed became a co-owner of a ToyTown toy shop and built a Lionel train model village at home. When their family grew by two more daughters, Ed and Joan decided to buy a house in a new development in Mount Prospect. Ed, Joan and their daughters loved to travel, entertain friends, boat on the Fox River and spend time together. Ed later became a machinist by trade and a self taught handy man. Ed took extreme pride in his home. He was constantly maintaining, improving and assisting others in home improvement projects. At work, Ed rose to the role of foreman and took great pride in his workers. When Ed retired, he seized the opportunity to enjoy his hobbies. He loved golf and would often volunteer at PGA tournaments as a marshal. Ed loved to socialize and keep himself physically fit. He worked out at the local fitness center daily and made great friends there. Ed and Joan traveled all over the world. They loved to cruise and favorite destinations included Hawaii and Europe. Ed even got to take a trip to Poland with his extended family in his 80s. They also enjoyed trips to local casinos with other seniors. Ed loved to be on the water and greatly enjoyed boating. Ed enjoyed time at home watching sporting events, lighting the fireplace and doing nightly puzzles with Joan. Ed’s greatest pride and legacy was his family. Ed took every opportunity to spend time with every member of his family. Whether it was traveling for a grandchild’s hockey, lacrosse, baseball game or swim meet or a great grandchild’s Vacation Bible School concert, Ed would be there. Time together, at home or away, was most dear to Ed. He cherished holiday celebrations accompanied with polish sausage, Joan’s homemade pierogi and paczki. Ed always made sure that photos/slides were taken every time the family was together. Moments together should always be remembered and celebrated with some ice cream and a Polish beer. Na Zdrowie! Ed is survived by his beloved wife of 77 years, Joan Malszewski; his three daughters Christine (Frank) Milota, Karen (Tim) Franklin and Cheryl (Phil) Lardner; his five grandchildren Jeff (Megan) Milota, Kevin (Danielle) Milota, Tori (Greg) Luke, Colin Franklin and Alli (Brian) Andrews; his 10 great-grandchildren Maddie, Alex and Emily Milota, Jack and Elle Milota, Will and Cam Luke, and Lottie, James and Oliver Edwin Andrews; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Victoria Malszewski, his brother Leo Marshall and his sister Helen Marshall, his nephew Leon Marshall, niece Donna Marshall and many dear friends and family. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to one of the organizations that Ed supported during his life- the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society Memorial--Ed-Malszewski or Misericordia Home A funeral mass will be held at St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church in Prospect Heights at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 21. Family and friends are welcome to gather at 9 a.m. to spend time together remembering Ed.

Edwin Joseph Malszewski

July 10, 1927 - March 10, 2024