Edwin F. Kusek

Of Arlington Heights

Edwin F. Kusek passed away September 15, 2019. He was born on October 2, 1925 in Chicago, Illinois to Jacob and Agatha (nee Kowalek) Kusek.

He was awarded the Bronze Star for evacuation of a wounded officer during artillery fire while serving in the US Army during WWII with the 94th Infantry Division.

He graduated from DePaul University and started creating marketing campaigns for Fox DeLuxe Brewing Co in the 1950’s in Chicago. His marketing career also included Mystik Tape and the Chemical and Adhesive Division of Borden Inc, in Chicago, NY and Ohio. Moving to Chicago to be closer to the extended family, he worked at Wesley Jessen, a contact lens manufacturer, and later at Turtle Wax Inc. Ed retired from his business career as Marketing Director for Turtle Wax Inc and opened his own consulting firm and worked into his 70’s. A natural problem solver, he invented and held multiple patents assigning them to his employers.

Never idle, one could find him hand washing and waxing the cars even before he joined Turtle Wax. Ed enjoyed playing golf every weekend of his working life and well into his retirement. He had a natural swing and an easy grip; the Ping model putter was his favorite.

Ed had the ability to effortlessly tell engaging stories and always kept his mind active with current events, sporting news, and challenging games. Being a wordsmith, crossword puzzles were an easy distraction. He was thrilled to see the Chicago Cubs win the World Series in 2016.

Ed lived at home with his son until sidelined by foot surgery requiring extensive rehab therapy. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family and dinners with his girlfriend Jeanie Dieckman. He appreciated all the visitors including his children, god-daughter, nieces, nephews, sister-in-law and special friends that came to see him at the rehab facility.

Ed’s motto in life - Keep moving and don’t let perfection paralyze you.

Edwin was the loving father of Robert Kusek and Patricia (William) Bliss, dear godfather, beloved uncle, fond brother-in-law, and great friend and mentor to many.

Preceded in death by his beloved wife, Virginia M. (nee Bednarz); his parents; and his siblings Mitchell, Adeline Zegar, Casimer, Henry, Lottie Koziol and Alice Prorak.

Visitation from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2019 at the Glueckert Funeral Home Ltd., 1520 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, Illinois, and Thursday, Sept. 26, 2019 from 10:00 am until 11:00 am Funeral Mass at Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Church, 432 S. Mitchell Ave., Arlington Heights, Illinois. Committal Service 1:30, Thursday in the interment chapel at St. Adalbert Cemetery, Niles, Ill.

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