Edward Raska

Edward E. “Ed” Raska, passed away on April 11, 2011 at his
home at the age of 92 after a courageous battle with C.O.P.D.
Edward, the son of the late Emmyl and Emily “Mae” (nee Szweda) Raska, was born on August 4, 1918. Raised on the
south-side of Chicago, Edward dazzled his family and friends with stories of the Great Depression, Prohibition, and the 1933 World Fair. On Nov 15, 1941, Edward married the love of his life, Clare (nee Trzaskus); and remained devoted to her for nearly 70 years.
Ed was an Army veteran who served his country in WWII as a supply sergeant
in the Tunisia Campaign. In 1959, Ed and Clare decided to move
to Bartlett, where they raised 6 children. Every Sunday was spent with family
and friends. Ed had a clever sense of humor and a knack for telling tall tales.
He was the life of a party and will be missed by all.
After retirement, Ed set out to see the world. Some of his favorite destinations were the Hawaiian Islands,Krakow Poland and Prague Czech Republic. Ed loved his excursions
To Europe where he enjoyed sitting in their town squares, sampling the local brew and shopping for Marklin “Maxi” Model Trains.
Edward is survived by his loving wife, Clare (nee Trzaskus), his daughters, Donna (Victor) Corda,
Mariann (Charles) Boston, Jan (David) Dolber, MaryEllen
(Wayne Koester) Cooley, Patricia Raska-Kessler and
his son Edward (Lisa) (nee Allan)Raska, his
grandchildren Debi (Tom Peloquin) DePaul,
Shari DePaul, Robert Boston, Sandry (Eric) Wells, Jackie (Tim)
Thurnes, Crissy Boston, Kyle Cooley, Ellen Kessler, Garrett Kessler
And Ariel Raska and 10 great-grandchildren, Zack,
Allison, Anthony, Dilan, Hayden, Benjamin, Will, Jacob, Luke and Zoie, and his
sister Delores Ewaniuk.
Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, April 15, 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter Damian Chapel, (the old church), 309 E. North Avenue, Bartlett. Following services, cremation will take place at the Countryside Crematory.