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- As the love of his life Leona sang to him, Edward Olkowski passed from this life to the next on March 12, 2021, ten days short of his 94th birthday.
Ed was born in Rhinelander in 1927 where he lived till duty called and he went off to serve his country in the US Navy in World War II. After his return home, he met Leona Wilcox. A beautiful night of singing and playing piano and the deal was sealed on the first date and they were soon married.
Ed became a floor layer by trade, and when opportunity for work arose in the Milwaukee area in 1954, with two small children they packed up and moved. Ed worked laying floors and eventually built a business installing hardwood floors for several major area home builders including Bielinski Builders. Ed and Leona raised their 8 children (7 sons and 1 daughter) in Sussex until it came time to retire. The youngest son carried on the floor laying business as Ed and Leona moved back to Rhinelander where they enjoyed a second honeymoon for nearly 30 years in the house where Leona grew up.
Things took a turn when early last year at age 93, a fall led to hospitalization, then nursing home and separation from Leona due to pandemic restrictions. In July the children brought them back to the Milwaukee area to be near the rest of the family, and they were able to be reunited in assisted living shortly after their 71st wedding anniversary.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Francis, sisters Madeline and Rosemary, brothers Raymond, Leonard, Walter, Earnest, Theodore and Dennis. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife Leona who recently turned 90, his children Edward, Jr. (Donna), Michael (Linda Barborich), Joseph (Jan), Marjie Snyder (Tom), Robert, Jerry (Theresa), James, and Patrick (Brandy). He also leaves behind his grandchildren Richard Flanigan (Denise), Tanya (Angela Roberts), Leah (Jack), John (Angelina), David (Sarah Lill), Steve (Trish), Brian (Ivelynn), Rebecca (James Newton) and Matthew. Further survived by numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, step-grandchildren, step-greatgrandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Join family and friends to gather in celebration of Ed's life on Monday, March 22nd at Schmidt and Bartelt Funeral Home in Sussex WI, with visitation from noon to 2pm, and a memorial service from 2pm to 3pm. Private military service with the immediate family will occur at a later date at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove.
Findagrave memorial.
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1927 - 2021 (93 years)
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