Edward Spacapan

Edward Spacapan, Sr. was born on February 5, 1924 in Waukegan, Illinois to Jerney and Marijana Spacapan (nee Heraver). He died peacefully on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 surrounded by his family at the Lutheran Home in Arlington Heights, Illinois.

Ed grew up in North Chicago. During WWII, he crossed Europe as a Staff Sergeant in Patton’s Third Army. He was always humble about his service. After the war, he earned his Illinois teaching certificate from Northern Illinois Teachers’ College and a Master’s degree in Mathematics from Northwestern University. He met his life-long love, Shirley Capp, while riding the train to Northern. They married in 1950 and moved to Rolling Meadows and then to Arlington Heights where they raised their family. Ed taught high school math and was an administrator in school District 214 for over 30 years, ultimately serving as Principal of Prospect High School. Ed coached the golf team to a state championship at Arlington High and was a strong supporter of all the Prospect teams. He was a committed member of the Mount Prospect Rotary Club and a member of the SNPJ (Slovene National Benefit Society). He enjoyed many winters on Marco Island, Florida with Shirley where they were often visited by family.

Ed and Shirley faithfully attended church at Arlington Heights Evangelical Free Church (The Orchard Church). Ed often gave thanks to God for his wife and children.

Ed enjoyed rollicking Spacapan family gatherings, yet his own calm and quiet demeanor was always on display. Everything he did was logical, consistent and dependable—from his golf game to his family relationships. He was a patient and devoted father and relished his role as grandfather, sharing his wisdom about math and life.

Ed is survived by his sons Edward (Lise) Spacapan, Jr., Keith (Renee) Spacapan and Kevin (Gayle) Spacapan; his grandchildren, Molly (Jonathan) Huff, Mary, Margaret, Madeleine, Melissa, Ben (Casey), and John Spacapan, Kristin (Jim) Pasakarnis and Kara (Matt) Zwirkoski; and his five great grandchildren, Britta and Elsie Zwirkoski, Braden Pasakarnis, Forrest Huff, and Winston Spacapan. He is also survived by his son-in-law Mike Nichol and his family (wife Jane and children Riley and Georgia). Ed was preceded in death by his wife Shirley Capp Spacapan, his parents, his brother Jerry Spacapan, his sisters Christine Vencevich and Elsie Miller and his daughter Shirlynn Spacapan.

Visitation for Ed Spacapan will be Monday, January 23, 2023 at 11:00 am followed by a memorial service at 12:00 pm at The Orchard Evangelical Free Church, 1330 North Douglas Avenue, Arlington Heights, IL 60004. Interment will take place on Tuesday, January 24 at 10:00 am at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park, 1436 Kenosha Rd., Zion, IL 60099.

Memorial donations may be made to: Harvey Mudd College for the Shirlynn Spacapan Memorial Scholarship. Mail to: Kingston 221, Harvey Mudd College, 301 E. 12th Street, Claremont CA 91711.

Funeral Information and condolences can be given at www.glueckertfuneralhome.com or call (847) 253-0168.