Edwin S. Kursell

Edwin S. Kursell

Age 87, passed away Friday, March 15, 2024 at Lightways Hospice Home.

Survived by his loving wife Joyce (Eberhart) Kursell; daughter Melissa (Gary) Kambic grandchildren Fabiana (Frank) and Gabriel, daughter Christine (CM) Smyth grandchildren Anna, Elizabeth, Tristan, Wyatt and Shaeline, son Michael (Anita) Kursell and son Nick (Kim) Kursell grandchildren Keara (Austin) and Kayla; cousins William (Mary Ellen) Kursell and Richard (Pat) Kursell.

Preceded in death by his father Sture Elliott Kursell; mother Norma M. (Peterson) Swackhammer; two brothers Bruce (Barbara) Kursell and Dennis (Donna) Kursell.

Ed, the loving father and grandfather, was a lifelong resident of Joliet, graduating from the Joliet Township High School, where he played in the legendary band with his brothers. After serving in the U.S. Navy with the SeaBees, he returned home where he was a life time member of the American Legion Band and the Joliet Junior College Band. Ed was also an avid fast-pitch softballer, and his fast ball was so wicked, that he earned the moniker of "Fast Eddie." Yet his true gift was as a bricklayer/stone mason, where he retired as one of the greatest the area has ever seen, just check out the Joliet Public Library, simply amazing.

Edwin may have passed from this earth, but we are sure he’s building a new library with bricks of gold in heaven, and in his spare time Edwin will play his horn in heavens band.  We will always remember Edwin’s kind soul, who talked to God daily. He will be missed forever. 

A Celebration of Edwin’s life will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 from 6-8 p.m. at the Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home. Military Honors and interment will be on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, 10:30 a.m. at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials to Lightways Hospice would be appreciated.