Edward Sabish

Ed peacefully passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 15, 2025, after a brief illness. He was born to Leta and Frank Sabish on March 28, 1941. He graduated from Fond du Lac High and spent some time in the Army Reserves.  When he returned to Fond du Lac, he met Julie Rossey and they married in 1965.

Ed thrived in his career as a salesman.  He worked for many companies as an independent sales representative before he retired.  He loved the connections he made and the relationships he developed with the many customers and sales reps he worked with both in the Midwest and on the East Coast.

Ed’s passion was singing.  He loved the brotherhood of the MacDowell Male Chorus and thought of the men as family.  He also enjoyed the family of the St. Mary’s church choir, where he was a member since moving to Appleton in 1984.

Ed also enjoyed trains.  As a young man, he helped work at the trainyards in Fond du Lac, and brought his love to model railroading. His Appleton homes both had a train table with entire cities built with railroad tracks, trains, buildings, and landscape designed for some of his favorite areas. He recently created a model of the MT&W in Tomahawk and donated this model to their museum.

Ed committed his life to service.  He was a long-time courier of blood for the Community Blood Center, as well as a proud contributor of his many gallons of personal donations. He also spent many spring and summer nights at the ballpark as a volunteer and Board Member at the Appleton Foxes and Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.  Around Christmas, he also enjoyed putting on his Santa hat, ringing the Salvation Army bell with candy canes in hand, and chatting it up with donors.

His love of all things outdoors included taking amazing care of his lawn and landscaping at home, spending many years at Pier Lake fishing and completing any project he could find, and pontoon boat rides at Legend Lake.  He walked his dogs three times a day, including his recent best friend, Bernie, who will miss his buddy.  He was also an enthusiastic supporter of his favorite Wisconsin sports teams.

Ed is survived by his three children, Kate (Bob) Geenen, Mary (Bobby) Greene, and Jim (Mary ) Sabish.  He is also survived by his 8 grandchildren. Ed is preceded in death by his wife, Julie, his parents, and his sister, JoAnn.  

We would like to thank the many caregivers at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Appleton during his short stay.  The amazing care given to Ed will always be remembered.  We would also like to thank Eagle Point Senior Living for the kindness and humanity they shared with Dad as they adopted Dad after Mom passed.  We are grateful to the Poppy Drive neighborhood for continuing to stay in contact once Ed moved -  for lunches, rides, laughs - all things Dad really enjoyed. Finally, we would like to thank MacDowell Chorus and St. Mary’s Church choir members.  Your brotherhood and friendships meant everything to Dad, and for that we will always be so grateful.

Please join us at St. Mary’s Church, 312 S. State St, Appleton WI.  We will be celebrating his life on Saturday, Nov. 22.  Visitation is from 9 - 11 am, with a funeral mass following at 11:00 am. Thank you to St. Mary’s and Westgor Funeral Home for helping with all of the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to MacDowell Male Chorus, Community Blood Center, Salvation Army, or Kaukauna Model Railroad Club - all non-profits that meant so much to Ed.

Rest easy while you sing with the angels, Dad.  We love you!