Edward Sluja

A man who was content in all things, Edward Sluja was a kindhearted, gentle, and courageous man who deeply loved so many within his reach. He never worried much about the things of this world, but he set his sights on the things from above. With the love of his life by his side for 61 years, Edward watched his family grow to include the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who were the light of his life. He generously gave to others, but Edward was also content to be in the background while never looking for anything in return. The memories he leaves behind will be lasting treasures in the hearts and lives of many.

Nestled within the decade of the Roaring Twenties was the year 1922 in which America celebrated the dedication of the Lincoln Memorial, the commissioning of the first U.S. aircraft carrier, and new radio stations joining the airwaves every day. This same year was met with great joy in the lives of one young couple form Grand Rapids, Michigan, as they welcomed a healthy baby boy into their lives on October 4th. Edward Francis was one of two children born to his parents, Gregory and Mary (Dudek) Sluja, and was raised in the family home alongside his sister, Lottie. His father worked in a local furniture store for a time, but Edward was just a young boy when his father contracted tuberculosis and died. The hardship didn’t end there for Edward, however, as his mother also became very ill so Edward and his sister stayed at St. John’s Home. As a student he attended St. Isidore's Elementary and then attended Davis Tech where he focused on woodworking.

On his 18th birthday Ed enlisted in the Army. He served in active duty from August of 1942 through February of 1946 during which time he was stationed in Europe as part of the European Theatre. Even after he was finished with his active duty Edward was part of the Army Reserves for the 40 years that followed.

It was while he was home on furlough that Edward met the woman of his dreams. Her name was Lorraine Prince, and they met while celebrating the victory of the Allied Forces in downtown Grand Rapids. In fact, they literally bumped into each other, and the rest is history as they say. Deeply in love, Ed married his sweetheart on June 1, 1946, at St. Isidore Catholic Church.

After enjoying a honeymoon at Niagara Falls, the newlyweds returned to Grand Rapids and settled into an apartment with Lorraine’s aunt. They later moved to a home on Bates, SE. From 1946 until the early 1950s Ed worked at a local furniture store, and in 1951 he began a career at General Motors where he did some of the ordering. Not long after, he and Lorraine were thrilled to become parents for the first time with the birth of their son, Kim, in 1952. He was later followed by Rosemary in 1956, Karen in 1960, and Randy in 1962. It was Lorraine who ran a tight ship and kept the kids in line, but Edward was always there to support her. When their kids were younger the Sluja family often rented a cottage for a week up North where they did plenty of fishing and swimming. It was also not uncommon for Ed to fish for blue gill, bass, and pike on Cranberry Lake with his kids. In 1957 their growing family moved to home on Winona Street, NW, and in 1968 they made another move to a home on Charlotte, NW.

A man of many interests, there were countless ways in which Edward’s life was enriched through the years. He and Lorraine were longtime members of Holy Spirit Catholic Church, and they had a close circle of friends. He had one of the best looking lawns on the block, and he also liked feeding his birds. It was important to both Ed and Lorraine to live a healthy lifestyle, so with that in mind they regularly walked the track at Union High School. He wasn’t too picky when it came to what foods he ate, but Edward particularly enjoyed Polish food, and he could rarely turn down anything chocolate, especially brownies and ice cream. He also loved a good cigar like his White Oaks and Swisher Sweets, and he often topped the night off with an Evan Williams whiskey with just a touch of honey. When relaxing at home Edward liked watching or listening to the Tigers and Lions games.

As a lifelong resident of the Grand Rapids community, Ed was one to be involved in various activities. For several years he was a Shawmut Hills Little League coach where he also served as an effective commissioner for a time. He and Lorraine were members of Jackson St. Hall, and they were also fairly regular customers at Mr. Burger. For a couple weeks a year Edward had his “two week vacation away from family” while undergoing training camp at Camp Grayling.

After Ed retired, he and Lorraine spent time traveling around the country visiting places like Branson, Missouri, Texas, Hawaii, and Florida. These trips often found them driving on their own, but they occasionally enjoyed taking bus trips to casinos. For many years they treasured the companionship of their two Chihuahuas, Chico and ChiChi. Ed and Lorraine also loved spending time with his grandchildren, frequently attending their events and activities.

Challenging days were in store for Ed and Lorraine when their daughter, Karen, developed a brain tumor and died in 2001. He was deeply saddened again with the death of his beloved wife in 2008. As his health continued to decline, Edward moved to Lincoln Square and more recently to St. Ann’s Home.

A man who could find the joy in even the simplest of things, Edward Sluja considered everything in life as part of God’s perfect plan for his life. His generous spirit, his unwavering faith, and his unending love inspires all who knew and loved him.

SLUJA – Mr. Edward F. Sluja, aged 90, of Grand Rapids passed into the arms of his Lord on December 4, 2012. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Lorraine, of 61 years; and his beloved daughter, Karen. Edward is loved and will be missed by his children; Kim Sluja, Rosemary & Tom Youngs, and Randy & Natalie Sluja; grandchildren, Stacey & Micah Clack, Jon & Sara Youngs, Jeff Youngs, Amy & Matt Stevens, Miranda Sluja, and Evan Sluja; and great-grandchildren, Hailey, Sophia, and Dylan Clack. Edward served in the U.S. Army during WWII and was in the U.S. Army Reserves for over 40 years. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM on Friday, December 7, 2012 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 2230 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Friends may visit with his family today from 2-4 and 6-8 PM, with a Rosary at 7:30 pm, at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. John's Home or Faith Hospice. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to read Edward's lifestory, archive a memory, photo, or sign the guestbook online.