Edward Ihling

Passed away Saturday afternoon August 17, 2019 at his residence. He was a much loved husband, father, grandfather and friend. Ed was born May 1, 1926 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Otto and Pauline (Kleinstuck) Ihling. He had a wonderful childhood growing up on Spruce drive, cavorting with friends, exploring his grandpa's farm (Kleinstuck Preserve), and riding his beloved pony along the cinder trail that would become Winchell Ave. He attended the Western Michigan Training School, Deerfield Academy, Western Michigan University (NROTC) and graduated from Northwestern University. He served honorably in the Navy following college. After college and the Navy, he finally convinced the love of his life, Ann Hanselman to marry him, on June 10, 1950. He was entirely devoted to her his entire life. They had 3 sons, Edward, Charles & Thomas. Ed was thrilled to add daughters in law, Sherry Oswalt and Mary Ann Fialkowski to the family. And almost burst with pride when his grandsons John & Nicholas arrived. Ed was always proud to work for the family business, Ihling Bros. Everard Co., where he served as President and Chairman, and its successor, Kalamazoo Regalia where he finally retired in 2006 at the age of 80. He served on the on the Board of Directors of Kalamazoo Paper Company, that eventually became Georgia Pacific. He was also on the Board of Directors of First National Bank of Kalamazoo, and continued in that role through the formation of First of America. It was at Northwestern where he was initiated into his Father's fraternity, Sigma Chi. Sigma Chi remained a focus in his life, and he was awarded the Edwin L. LeClerg Outstanding Chapter Advisor, Significant Sig awards, and inducted into the Order of Constantine. But his proudest moments in the Fraternity were when his sons and grandson were also initiated. His grandson John, is a 4th generation Sigma Chi. Ed was also a member of Anchor Lodge of S.O., F&AM, Kalamazoo Chapter #13 RAM, Kalamazoo Council #8, R & SM, Valley of Grand Rapids AASR, and a past commander of Peninsular Commandery #8, KT. Ed's lifelong fascination with nature lead him to join with Martha Parfet and the other founding members of the Kalamazoo Nature Center. He also served on numerous other non-profit boards: Pretty Lake Vacation Camp, Kalamazoo Chamber of Commerce, Kalamazoo United Way, Constance Brown Hearing Society and the Red Cross. Ed greatly enjoyed hunting and traveling with his lifelong friends, The Regulars, sailing on weekends with Ted Parfet, dinners with the Genarians, and the Argonauts. Ed was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ann H. Ihling on May 9, 2017; 2 sons, Edward and Charles Ihling; a sister, Peggy Nelson; and 3 brothers-in-law, Ken Nelson, Harold Hanselman and Steven Hanselman. He is survived by a son, Thomas (Sherry) Ihling of Kalamazoo; 2 grandsons, John & Nick Ihling; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held 1 o'clock Thursday, August 29th from the Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremations Services, 3926 S 9th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the service at the chapel. Private burial will take place at a later date. Memorials may be directed to Residential Opportunities, Inc. (Great Lakes Center for Autism Treatment and Research) or to the Kalamazoo Nature Center. Please visit Edwards personalized webpage for directions, online guestbook, or to leave a condolence. https://www.langelands.com.