Edward William Kase

Edward William Kase, 88, passed away September 5, 2023, at Parkview Randallia Hospital in Fort Wayne, IN. He was born February 8, 1935, in East Orange, NJ, the oldest son of William H. and Susan M. Kase. As a boy, the family relocated to Fort Wayne.

Ed was employed by the Kroger company as a teenager, and there he remained for his entire working career. His employment began in the stores, but he soon made his way to the warehouse, and he became a truck driver. His last 30 years with the company was as a truck driver. Being a driver enabled him to participate in the Kroger Truck Rodeo, which led to participation in the Indiana Motor Truck Association (IMTA) Rodeo at state level, winning in 1985. He continued his participation up to 1998 as a driver and judging. After retiring from Kroger in 1998 he and his (late) wife Carolyn became involved with Antique Truck clubs. He purchased a 1942 Chevy WWII Blackout Pick-up and a 1963 Mack truck. Ed and Carolyn then spent their time attending and participating in area Antique Car and Truck shows, travelling and making many friends. They also enjoyed driving the 1942 Chevy and other vehicles in the Fort Wayne 3 Rivers parades and the Auburn ACD parades. At the same time, they became involved in the ACD Club, and was a 25-year supporter of the Friends of the Festival, and the Auburn Auction Park, where he volunteered with car lineups and vendor organization during the Labor Day Auction Events.

Ed also became a very active volunteer and eventual board member with the National Automotive and Truck Museum of the United States (NATMUS), where he achieved a 50-year membership. He worked to build up the Museum to what it is today. Ed and Carolyn were involved in the fundraising and miscellaneous duties relating to the acquisition and restoration of the #10 GM Futurliner and was one of only a few who were trained to drive it.

Other truck clubs included The American Historical Truck Society (AHTS) as a 50-year member and the Maumee Valley Antique Steam Engines. Ed enjoyed driving and kept his CDL and all endorsements current up until 2015.

Ed was a life member of Eagles post 248 and a life member of the Fort Wayne Navy Club, ship 48 where he was also acting historian for the club. All of these associations provided many opportunities to travel, and Ed was proud to say that they have been to every state in the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, as well as to Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Ed made many friends along the way and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his children; Ronald Kase, Deborah (Trevor) Alles, Julie (Ben) Arnold, Cynthia Robinson, Janet Redwanski, Donald (Gayle) Springer, Pamela (John) Wagner, Lori Tran-Katafiasz, Steven (Polly) Springer, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Edward was preceded in death by his loving wife of 53 years, Carolyn Kase July 25, 2023, his brother Robert Kase in 1959, daughter-in-law Sami Kase and grandson Casey Tran.

Services will be provided by D.O. McComb and Sons Maplewood Park Funeral Home 4017 Maplecrest Road, Fort Wayne, IN. Visitation will be on Monday September 11, 2023, from 5-8 pm and Funeral service 10 am Tuesday September 12, 2023, with visitation one hour prior at the funeral home. Private burial in Greenlawn Cemetery Fort Wayne. Memorials may be made to NATMUS or to St. Mary’s Soup Kitchen. To sign the online guest book go to www.mccombandsons.com

You may also join the family virtually for the service, by copying and pasting the following link in your browser.

The livestream will begin at 9:50 am with services starting at 10:00 am

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Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at https://www.mccombandsons.com for the Kase family.