Edward Sobieranski

A man of honor, strength, and unwavering courage even in times of trial, Edward Sobieranski was an inspiration to all who knew him. He was a man of many interests who enriched his life in countless ways, yet there was nothing he loved more than being surrounded by his loved ones. Ed was a loving husband and devoted father, but he was certainly an amazing grandpa if ever there was one. Blessed to spend more than 50 years with the love of his life, he fully embraced both the peaks and valleys along his life’s journey. Ed will be deeply missed, but he leaves behind a priceless collection of memories created with his family and friends that they will forever cherish.

During the first half of the 1940s the eyes of our nation were focused overseas as countless young servicemen and women were deeply entrenched in the perils of WWII. Those who remained stateside gathered around radios awaiting news from the front lines while rationing on common goods became a way of life. Amidst this eventful time was the year 1942 that was filled with great joy for Edward Roman and Mary Victoria (Zurek) Sobieranski as they were pleased to announce the birth of their baby boy on January 15th in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Edward Jr. was the second of three children in his family and was raised alongside his older sister, Dorothy, and his younger brother, Thomas. His father worked as a buffer at Keeler Brass and Yamaha Corporation while his mother was a hairdresser at the Beauty Mark on West Fulton in addition to being a busy homemaker. Ed and his family were members of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church where the he and his siblings also attended school. He loved the outdoors as a boy and could often be found hunting for small game and deer or fishing. Ed and his father often went up to the Upper Peninsula for hunting, fishing, and mushrooming.

When he was just 17, Ed joined the United States Marine Corps with a deep love for his country. He went through boot camp at Camp Pendleton and before going to Southeast Asia, he went on to the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in South Carolina. This proved to be a fateful assignment for Ed as it was there that he met the young woman of his dreams. Her name was Evelyn Ruth Brunson, and after dating for one year, they became husband and wife on March 9, 1963, in Beaufort. Ed was later sent to Vietnam during the war. His time in the military spanned four years, and serving his country was something he was always very proud of.

With his military duties fulfilled, Ed and his bride moved back to Grand Rapids and rented a second story apartment at 850 Davis. They remained there for three years before settling into Ed’s parents’ home that he had purchased at 49 Lane Avenue. This was the place that he called home for the rest of his life. Together Ed and his wife were blessed with the births of four children including Edward III in 1963, Debbie in 1965, Melissa in 1973, and Michele in 1976. Together the family enjoyed vacations to South Carolina to visit relatives and also tent camping in Northern Michigan in addition to a memorable trip to California. Ed enjoyed sharing his hobbies with his son as they often went out deer hunting and fishing together.

Throughout his life Ed was one to work hard. His career began at American Seating where he worked for three years before settling in at Michigan Wheel where he worked as a sand molder making propellers. In 1994 after 30 years of service he retired, primarily because he suffered from health issues such as diabetes and heart problems that required a sextuple bypass. As the one at home, Ed took on many of the household duties including all the shopping. The grocers all knew him by name, and he knew all the ins and outs of shopping and getting the best prices. Additionally, Ed loved to cook pork steak, vegetable beef soup, and grilled masterpieces on the weekends as he was mainly a meat and potatoes kind of guy. He loved a cold beer including Pabst Blue Ribbon or Miller, and he was convinced that tomato juice and a raw egg was his fix for whatever ailed him.

A man of many interests, Ed enjoyed a variety of things that kept him busy. He was very proud of his Polish heritage, and he loved watching westerns, Little House on the Prairie, Mayberry R.F.D., and The Waltons. Ed was a regular at many of the halls on the West Side such as the Fifth Street Hall, Sixth Street Hall, the VFW, and the Boat Club and Canoe Club among others. As soon as grandchildren arrived spending time with them became something he loved doing, and he never missed a special day, sporting event, school activity, or graduation ceremony. Ed often visited his grandchildren while they were away at college just so they could have lunch together. He also encouraged them to do their best, which included encouraging Jessica to attended medical school. Jessica followed his advice and is in medical school at the present time.

As his health continued to diminish during his sunset years, Ed’s positive attitude remained intact. He never let his health issues become a problem, and he never complained either.

Described as goofy and strong willed, caring and giving, Edward Sobieranski, Jr. was a gift to those around him. He was proud to serve his country during a time of need and proud of his Polish heritage as well, but there was nothing that made his heart swell with pride more than seeing the extraordinary people who his children and grandchildren became. Ed’s timeless legacy will be carried on by those who follow in his footsteps.

Edward R. Sobieranski Jr. “Sonny”, aged 72, entered the pearly gates on Saturday, June 28, 2014. Ed was a proud Westside Polish American. In 1959 he joined the United States Marine Corps. While in the Corps, he was stationed at Camp Pendelton, CA. He also served in South Carolina and deployment to Asia. While in South Carolina, he met Evelyn Ruth Brunson. They were married on March 9, 1963 and returned to Michigan. He was employed by and retired from Michigan Wheel Corporation. In 1994, Ed began the battle with heart disease and diabetes. His motto till his last day was, “pain is weakness leaving the body” and “once a Marine, always a Marine”. Ed fought each battle with dignity, strength, courage and the will to survive. His greatest joy in life was cheering on and supporting his grandchildren in any and everything they did. Ed is survived by his wife, Evelyn; his children, Ed (Bonnie), Sobieranski III, Debbie Norman (Gary Norman), Melissa (Frank) Patton, Michele (Craig) Schwarz; his grandchildren, Ed Sobieranski IV, Wyatt Sobieranski, Jessica Lopez, Brittany Lopez, Killian Patton, Kaleb Patton, Kayden Patton, Natalie Schwarz, Erynn Schwarz, Jarrett Schwarz; his sister, Dorothy Mae (Jack) Criske; his brother, Thomas (Carol) Sobieranski; many nieces, nephews and friends. Ed did not wish to have a funeral service. His family will gather for an open house on Sunday, July 20, at St. Ladislaus Aid Society, 58 Lane Ave SW from 2:00 – 6:00 PM for a time of remembering. There will also be a visitation on July 21, 2014 from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Ed has requested memorial contributions in his memory to be made to Quantico Injured Military Sportsman Association QIMSA, www.qimsa.org. To sign Ed’s guest book and to leave your own memory of him, visit his web page at www.lifestorynet.com. We know he has reported to St. Peter and said, “Another Marine reporting Sir. For I have spent my time in Hell” Semper Fi