O’Donnell, Edward Mitchell

Edward Mitchell O’Donnell, aged 74, passed away on Friday, March 5th, 2021, surrounded by his family. He takes with him a piece of our hearts and leaves behind a model of kindness, patience, friendship and love. Born in Chicago on February 25th, 1947 to Irish immigrants Francis and Margaret O’Donnell, he studied engineering at Devry University before enjoying a successful career as a home builder. He met the love of his life, Joyce Schroeder, at the Holiday Dance Hall and they shared 51 years of marriage. They raised 6 children: Dawn, Kathleen (David), Edward (Holly), Kimberly (Matt), John (Laura) and Elizabeth (Perla).

It’s impossible to summarize all that he was in just a few sentences. He coached our sports team. He taught us Irish swear words. He built our dream house. He played one song every Christmas on the flute. He poured your glass of wine before you sat down. He grilled the burgers. He fixed things around the house, doing things with electrical tape you didn’t think were possible. He cheered for the Chicago Bears. He listened to you when you needed a friend. He loved being with his big, loud family and we loved being with him.

He is also survived by his 8 grandchildren: Michael, Joseph, Nicholas, Henry, Lucy, Emma, Emerson and Henley, his brother David (Susan) and many relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers John, William and Thomas. He was just too good a person to keep on this earth. A celebration of his life will take place in June 2021.

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