Edward L. Szymoniak

Edward L. Szymoniak, 93, a lifelong resident of Millersburg, died Friday, September 9, 2016 at Golden Beach Manor, Huron Beach. The son of Casimir and Barbara (Lisowski) Szymoniak, Eddie was born March 4, 1923 in Millersburg. He married the love of his life, Virginia “Ginny” Donald at the Millersburg Methodist Church  October 5, 1946.

Honorably serving our country, Eddie was an Army veteran of World War II. His war service was in the Pacific where he spent time in the Philippines and New Guinea.

As a young man, Eddie worked at Big Cut in Millersburg and farmed. He eventually took employment with the Detroit & Mackinac Railroad where he worked as a brakeman for more than twenty years before retiring in 1985. Strong in his Christian faith, Eddie was a longtime member of the Millersburg Methodist Church. He also was an active member of the Millersburg Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post for many years and a member of the Millersburg Fraternal Order of Eagles.

An all-around great guy, Eddie or “Papa Eddie”, as he was affectionately known, loved to hunt, fish and listen to Detroit Tigers Baseball. He was quite athletic in his younger days and was a former Golden Gloves Champion boxer. Whether he was cutting boughs, trimming Christmas trees, or cutting wood, Eddie enjoyed working in the woods. He wasn’t one to sit still; he liked to go places, keep busy and would always say, “Hurry up – let’s go.” Eddie loved to dance and was a wonderful story teller.  One of his favorite places was the Szymoniak Swamp Buck Hunt Club which he founded in 1946.

He loved spending time at the camp with his family and many fond memories were made there over the years.

Most important to Papa Eddie was his family. He rarely did anything without them.  He cherished spending time with his son and daughter and their families. He traveled many miles to watch his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their sporting and school events. Well-loved, Papa Eddie was a hero to his family and will be greatly missed.

Surviving Papa Eddie are his daughter, Doreen (Dan) P

rice and son, Ken (Alice) Szymoniak, both of Millersburg; five grandchildren, Dawn (Kevin) Welklin, Debra Szymoniak, and Eddy (Katy) Szymoniak, all of Millersburg, Kelly (Jay) Ness of Rochester, Minnesota and Kristy (Jason) Larson of Tower; and 13 great-grandchildren.  He also leaves two brothers, Walter Szymoniak of Millersburg and Ray (Ruth) Szymoniak of Onaway; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Eddie was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Ginny,  June 1, 2000; son, Steve; sisters, Carrie Kowalski, Agnes Huyck, Lucille Keesee, Irene Tredway and Stella Wright; and brothers, Eugene and Richard.

Visitation was held at the Chagnon Funeral Home Sunday, September 11. Eddie’s funeral was at the Millersburg Methodist Church Monday, September 12, with the Rev. Carmen Cook officiating.  Eddie’s final resting place is in Millersburg at Riverside Cemetery where Onaway VFW Post 5857 conducted military honors following the funeral service. Condolences may be shared with the Szymoniak family at www.chagnon.com.