EDWARD MICHALSKI

EDWARD J. MICHALSKI

October 23, 1931 - January 6, 2022

Edward Michalski, born to Cecelia (Konecki) Michalski and Frank Michalski, passed away peacefully at the age of 90 at home with loved ones present.

Edward was a man of many names: Mike, Big Mike, Ed, Eddie. With whatever name he was known by, he was often described as one of the most chivalrous and caring men anyone ever met. His rhetorical introduction, “What do ya say, guy?” and bear-hug-like handshake made for a memorable greeting. He considered everyone he met as a friend and would introduce them as such. 

Edward graduated from St. Rita High School in Chicago in 1949. Following graduation, he served in Japan and Korea with the U.S. Army during the Korean War, where he received the nickname, “Big Mike,” for being 6'4”. Upon return home from the war, he met the love of his life, Pauline, while rollerskating with friends: an activity she and he greatly enjoyed. They married four years later. The two celebrated their 64th year of marriage in September. Edward supported his family from his years of working at R.R. Donnely on a printing press before retiring as a sheet metal fabricator.

Though there were many activities in life that Edward enjoyed, he dedicated much of his passion to cars. His prized possession was a 1957 Chevy Bel-Air. Edward loved the chrome detailing, white-wall tires, and teardrop fender skirts, making it "a sharp looking car." In addition to his love for vehicles, he was fond of anything that allowed him to work with his hands; he had a talent for drawing and assembling model cars and airplanes. Edward also fostered an interest in reading books and magazines about past wars, including WWII, which he favored. 

However, it was obvious that Edward loved nothing more than his family. He was respectably stubborn when needing help, but he would do anything to help others, including giving the shirt off of his back. He made sure everyone else was taken care of. As a guest in his home, you could expect him to offer you food when you weren't hungry, a chair even if you weren't tired, and a heart-filled hug when you were leaving. 

Edward is survived by his wife, Pauline (Grannum) Michalski, daughter, Linda (Mike) Thomer. His grandchildren, John Nick and Michele Nick, and great grandchildren, Carson and Avery Nick. His sister, Merrilee (Bill) Wise, niece, Ginny (Matt) Voelker, nephews, Scott (Cathie Doyle) Ariel, Kyle Ariel, and John (Tami) Mason. Very loving in-laws, including brother in-laws, John (Jackie) Grannum and Bob (Pat) Grannum, and sister in-law Helen Rute (Grannum). Along with many great nieces and nephews.  

The celebration of life for Edward will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 19, 2022 , at Neenah's Westgor Funeral Home, 205 W. Doty Ave.  There will be full Military Honors with the Neenah/Menasha Veterans Honor Guard.  Visitation will be held from Noon until the hour of service.

The family gives a special thank you to the care received from his Compassus hospice nurses, Karrissa and Kim in addition to his friends, Gene, Desiree, and Maria from Aspire Senior Living's care staff.