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July 10, 2012

Edward S. Walters

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CEDAR — Edward Stanley Walters, 89, of Cedar, passed away on Saturday, July 7, 2012, at Tendercare of Leelanau.

Ed was born on Feb. 1, 1923, in Detroit, the son of Stanislaw and Victoria (Kulik) Wojciechowski. In August 1951, he married Patricia Ann Urban, who survives.

Ed was the epitome of the Greatest Generation. He was the seventh child of Polish immigrant parents who settled on the west side of Detroit. He bravely served his country in World War II and was awarded three Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart.

Ed was the first of his family to go to college, using his GI benefits, and majoring in accounting at the University of Detroit. Upon graduation he began his long career in civil service, serving as the director of personnel for the city of Detroit, and in the federal government at the initiation of the war on poverty, working for the Neighborhood Youth Corps.

He met his beloved wife, Pat, just as he began his career and started what he called his greatest accomplishment — his loving family. He was a great dad, tempering high expectations with unconditional love, and serving as an example of self-sacrifice, self-discipline and loyalty. He supplied his six kids with mini bikes and go-karts; threw them off the dock at Stag Island so they could learn to swim; and occasionally rescued them from the authorities.

Ed always had a boat and he captained many a water-skiing run, and taught all to dock at full speed. The family was usually augmented by one of many nieces and nephews — the more the merrier! He may even have been a better grandfather, and was an awesome babysitter and dog-sitter extraordinaire.

Ed was a stellar athlete — "The Silver Fox" played to win — handball, tennis, golf, horseshoes and softball. He played tennis well into his 80s, never allowing his kids to win! After retiring in Cedar, he and Pat were able to enjoy sports together and bring their winning spirit to bridge games, golf, euchre and the slots.

Ed's personality was bigger than life; he never met a stranger, attracted friends wherever they went, and filled the rooms with joy and laughter.

As a member of the Greatest Generation, his story sounds like many others. So many were first generation American, and so many served their country. What makes the story unique was he is ours and we are his. He is not really gone. What was important to Ed — family, love, loyalty — lives on in his wife, kids and extended family. We will miss his personality, but every day will give us an opportunity to honor the man we love.

In addition to his beloved wife of 61 years, Ed is survived by his five children, Barbara Ann (Lawrence Wiley) Walters, Joseph (Karen) Walters, David (Lori) Walters, Nancy Borgeson, Andrew (Elizabeth) Walters; and grandchildren, Rebecca, Richard, Louis, Claire, Daniel and James.

He was preceded in death by a son, John; and siblings, Josephine, Frank, Stanley, Marion, Ann, Genieve, Jane, and two in infancy.

A mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. today, July 10, at Holy Rosary Church in Isadore. Father Zeljko Guberovic will serve as celebrant.

Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association, Greater Michigan Chapter/Northern Michigan Region, 921 West 11th Street, Suite 1W, Traverse City, MI 49684.

Please share thoughts with Ed's family on their online guestbook at www.record-eagle.com/obituaries.

Arrangements are with Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.

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