Ed Staal

Edward Graber Staal, 95, a man of deep faith, strong family devotion, and steadfast service, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2025, in Redondo Beach, California. Born in Chicago, Illinois, on October 2, 1929, to Carl Gustav Staal and Marie Ludwina (Graber) Staal, Ed lived a long and fulfilling life marked by integrity and a generous spirit.

Ed’s proudest accomplishment was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Eileen, whom he married on February 12, 1955, after meeting her at the Compostela Club at Saint James Catholic Church. He leaves behind a large and loving family, including his six children, Teresa Cowley, Loretta Walck (Scott), Thomas (Lisa), Michael, Anthony, and Matthew (Noelle), as well as his sister, Agnes Hutchinson. Ed was a cherished grandfather to 27 grandchildren and a proud great-grandfather to 26 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Carl, Richard, and George Staal. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

A man of unwavering faith, Ed was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus and Past Grand Knight. As an usher at St. James Catholic Church, he was known for his sharp attire, always wearing a sport coat and tie. He was a daily communicant and prayed the rosary daily for his children and grandchildren, living out his faith as an example to all.

Ed dedicated his life to serving his community. After enlisting in the Army from 1947 to 1951, he pursued a career in law enforcement, later graduating from El Camino College. He joined the Redondo Beach Police Department in 1952, eventually working for the State of California Criminal Investigations Bureau and the Tustin Police Department before returning to Redondo in 1971. He retired as Lieutenant Watch Commander in 1982, with his notable contributions including heading the Police Chaplain program and the Emergency Response System.

Beyond his career, Ed was an avid outdoorsman who loved camping, hiking, and fly-fishing. He lovingly drove his family, and often extra cousins or neighbors, in a loaded-down VW bus to Three Rivers in Sequoia National Forest every summer. In retirement, he and Eileen traveled the world via numerous cruises and the US extensively in their GMC motorhome, making many friends through the Pacific Cruisers GMC club. A gifted woodworker, Ed was known for his ability to build or fix anything, even crafting his own fly-fishing rods and tying his own flies. Ed was a skilled sharpshooter and spent many hours at the shooting range educating others on gun safety.

Funeral services will be held on October 9th at 10:00 AM at St. James Catholic Church in Redondo Beach, with Fr. Jim Kavanaugh officiating. Interment will follow at Los Angeles National Cemetery on October 10th at 11:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Knights of Columbus.