Edwin "Ed" Kurcz, age 85, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2025, at home. Beloved husband of Barbara (née Osiol), dearest father of Thomas (Elizabeth), Barbara Ann (Michael) Bechtel, Michael (Gina), and Joseph (Diana), cherished grandfather to Elijah, Emily, Braden, Annabelle, Bennett, Jonah, Levi, Neil, and Kamila. Predeceased by his parents Joseph and Helen (née Fitz) Kurcz and sister Sylvia Ruhwiedel.

Born on November 2, 1939, in Chicago, Ed grew up in Brighton Park. He attended St. Rita High School and earned an engineering degree at Indiana Tech. He spent the majority of his career as a purchasing agent at Peoples Energy.

Ed met his wife Barbara while at a St. Patrick's Day dance. The couple wed on May 17, 1969, at Holy Innocents Church. Ed and Barbara raised their family in Niles, residing there for 49 years until moving to Naperville to be closer to their daughter. He was a long-time member of St. John Brebeuf Church in Niles.

Ed could often be found proudly cheering on his children at their various activities, from band, sports, and academic pursuits.

Ed was a doting Papa to his nine grandchildren, and he looked forward to hearing about their activities and celebrating holidays and birthdays.

Over the years, Ed counted several faithful dogs as his constant companion. He is survived by his beloved dog, K.C., one of many dogs who knew that Ed always kept treats in his pocket.

For those who knew Ed, they'll remember his sensitive soul. He will be missed greatly.

Visitation Sunday, May 18 at Skaja Terrace Funeral Home, 7812 North Milwaukee Avenue, Niles, Illinois 60714, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Prayers will begin at Skaja Terrace Funeral Home on Monday, May 19 at 9:15 a.m. to St. John Brebeuf Church for a 10 a.m. Mass. Entombment at St. Adalbert Mausoleum. Funeral Information 847-966-7302 or www.skajafuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The National Multiple Sclerosis Society online at https://www.nationalmssociety.org/ or by mail at National MS Society, P.O. Box 91891, Washington, D.C. 20090-1891.