Edward Walter Coons

Edward W. Coons, age 97, passed away at The Otterbein Senior Center in Batavia, Ohio on October 4, 2021 where he resided since early July. He was surrounded by his daughter, Win Wedeking and her husband Scott, Crossroads Hospice team members and Otterbein care givers.

Edward lived a full life, rich in many experiences and lasting friendships. He was born in Mill Iron, MT to Edward W. Coons and Ora Edna Thomas Coons on June 11, 1924. Edward is survived by his only child Edwina (Win) Wedeking and her husband, P. Scott Wedeking, Edward's sister Norma Buerkle, her children and grandchildren: Kathy (Clyde) Leischner; Dan (Lana) Buerkle; Carol Larson; Don Buerkle; and, by Trudi Woodward and her daughter who are the daughter and granddaughter of Edward's younger sister, Joyce Woodward who passed away in 1973.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Joyce Woodward, his wife Margie Coons and his Mother-in-law Margaret Hurst and by his dear friend Betty Vasko.

Edward's independence began with his father's passing when he was nine years old. Ed shared many stories of his odd jobs in various manual labor roles, including lumber jacking, farming and factory jobs as a young man. He had a life-long admiration for his Grandfather Thomas's ability to fix and to build 'anything' from clocks to automobiles. And, he loved the time he spent with animals especially riding and working with horses on the farms and interacting with their pet dogs.

Later, Edward's mother re-married Frank DuChane. Edward often spoke of how he enjoyed the comradery and the many talents of the combined families. Edward grew up in South Eastern Montana, served in the US Army during WWII both stateside and overseas in England, France and Germany. His 'War stories' were mostly about the antics of his fellow soldiers as well as children and families he met and interacted with in the countries he visited. He had a knack for making people smile, and for smiling himself, even during the worst of times.

After serving with the US Armed Forces Infantry in Europe, Edward returned to the US and was flown to California where he married Margaret (Margie) Hurst on August 4, 1945. After the war, Edward and Margie moved to the Hurst farm near Ekalaka, MT. Their daughter, Edwina ("Win") was born the winter of 1947. Edward, Margie, "Winnie" and Margaret Hurst moved to Chicago, IL where the Hurst family had family ties. Edward held numerous jobs while training to become a Journeyman electrician. He retired from that profession after 55 years of working for the Illinois Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. At some point in Illinois, he also joined a bowling team. Bowling became a sport he enjoyed for most of the rest of his life.

After his wife, Margie, passed away in April 2001, Edward relocated to Cincinnati to be near his daughter and son-in-law. He lived independently and kept his own home until July of this year when the disease took a serious turn. For most of those years, he was active in a bowling league and enjoyed the comradery that resulted in lifelong friends.

An honorable and spiritual man, Edward's long life was well rewarded with many friends. He could usually find a way to make people smile - perhaps with a piece of chocolate or a wink and a playfully silly grin. He always remembered to thank those who helped him, including the OHC Oncologists whom he credited with adding another four years to his life through radiation and immunotherapy and he thanked God for sending his Otterbein and Crossroads Hospice caregivers to take care of him. Edward found something he liked about every person he met.

Those who knew him are blessed. He was a great role model and he will remain in our hearts forever.

Friends and family of Edward Coons are invited to attend the following services in celebration of his life:

Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 7820 Beechmont Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45255. 9 a.m., Visitation Service; 10 a.m., Funeral Mass*; 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., Informal Reception at the IHM Church Heritage Hall.

Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021 at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1400 S. Wolf Rd., Hillside, IL 60162. Interment Services:11 a.m., Graveside Service with US Military Tribute. *Please note that the Funeral Mass will be live streamed. This means those who cannot be with us can log in to view it online. On Oct. 25, 2021, log in to http://www.church.ihom.org before the Funeral Mass begins. At the bottom, select "click here to watch Mass online." The funeral Mass will begin streaming live at 10 a.m.

And, a record of the Mass will be available online for a week after the service. To access the recorded version after the Mass is over, click the play button which will take you to a screen that gives you 2 options: previous broadcasts and broadcast schedule. Click 'previous broadcasts' and you will find the Edward Coons funeral Mass located there.