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Edward O'Donnell Obituary
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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Memories and Condolences
for Edward O'Donnell
Sponsored by Chicago Sun-Times.
Tommy Fisher
March 8, 2023
Ed will forever be missed by friends and family. I will miss him very much, as he was a staple to the Family picnic. 2022 was not the same without him at the Burger Grill.
Laura Walsh Owens
June 2, 2021
Ed was a great guy, so friendly, he would ask how you doing and listen to you and always willing to assist “what can I get you?” he’d say standing at the grill at Teason Woods...and it would be 90 degrees and he’s sweating but smiling ! I will miss him for sure-RIP
Carol Schroeder
March 14, 2021
So sorry for your loss. Ed was a great person. I enjoyed talking to him at the family picnics. He made the best burgers. Always made sure you got the butger you wanted. He will be missed dearly.
Irena Stanek
March 12, 2021
The Kindest Man I ever met! With the biggest heart! Very dedicated to his family! Always ready to help others!
Never looked down on anyone! Even gave a chance to the ones that didn’t deserve it! He deserves heaven! May He Rest In Peace! We are going to Miss him so much! Are hearts are broken! Our deepest sympathy to his family! From Irene Natalia and Robert Jr and Robert!
Carol & Rich Morissette
March 12, 2021
So sorry for your loss. Ed was a fun-loving person to be around.
He will be missed. Our deepest sympathy to all his family.
Rich and Kathy Adams
March 12, 2021
Ed was all about family. He always made us feel welcome and it was apparent that he was so in love with Joyce. We are so thankful he raised a wonderful daughter to be a great mother and wife. We will miss you.
Ray and Patty Howe
March 11, 2021
I am grateful for having a cousin like Ed. A kind, generous, fun-loving and funny guy. Always unselfish and someone nice to be around. We will miss him always and remember him always. Our deepest sympathies to Joyce and his immediate family. Prayers that all those great memories you have of him will help get you through this loss. Love, Patty and Ray Howe xoxo
Lori Weber
March 11, 2021
Loving , kind, gifted sense of humor, looked you right in the eye when he talked to you. Great family man ❤
Judy Nielsen doubleday
March 11, 2021
I am so sorry ODonnell family I knew your father years ago he was a wonderful man and your mother a wonderful woman who raised three children besides her own what a class act they are
Michelle Stripeik
March 11, 2021
My favorite burger slinging guy! What a beautiful tribute. Prayers for all.
Tom Fisher
March 11, 2021
I will miss him dearly. Praying for his smooth transition to heaven and healing for his family!
Alex D'Ortenzio
March 11, 2021
May the love of friends and family help you through this rough time i am sending love to dawn and family
Patrick K Hayes
March 11, 2021
Sorry for your loss; please accept my condolences of Edward's passing. May Edward rest in peace
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