Edward A. Kausak, age 86, formerly of Chicago and currently residing in Gladstone, died Wednesday morning September 20, 2006 after succumbing to his cancer illness.

Edward was born October 18, 1919, in Hammond, Indiana, the son of Frank and Eva (Voytka) Kausak. He was raised in Indiana and attended both the Indiana and Illinois school systems. Following his years in school, Edward went to work for the CCC’s (Civilian Conservation Corp.) during the depression era before enlisting in the United States Army Air Force in 1943. Edward served in the U.S. Army Air Force from 1943 to 1945 with the 8th Army Air Force, 532nd Bomb Squadron of the 321st bomb group during the European Theater. He completed 35 missions in the B-17 bomber over Nazi Germany and proudly served as part of Tom Brokaw’s "Greatest Generation". Prior to his marriage to the former Genevieve "Jenny" Miron on January 21, 1956, Edward gained employment with the Illinois Bell Telephone Company, in Chicago, working as a maintenance technician, retiring in 1973 after 26 years of loyal service. Edward eventually relocated to the Perkins area where he went to work as a bus driver/custodian, from 1973 to 1983, for the Perkins schools. Jenny preceded Edward in death on December 9, 2000. Following his employment for the Perkins schools, Edward moved back to the Chicago area to reside with his brother Peter and continued to live in Chicago until his health began to fail, at which time, he relocated back to Delta County to be near his loving family. Edward was a former member to the Perkins American Legion, Perkins Lions Club and he always loved sports, coaching little league baseball in Chicago and later in Perkins. Edward said his farewells to his family and wished those he left behind to not worry and take care.

Survivors include:

4 sons: David (Lauri) Kausak of Escanaba, MI; Richard Kausak of Brampton, MI; Rockford Kausak of Brampton, MI; Roger Kausak of Brampton, MI

2 daughters: Eydie (Neal) Strand of Green Bay, WI; Laura (Roger Florek) Kausak of Gladstone, MI

1 brother: Peter Kausak of Chicago, IL

8 grandchildren: Amanda, Jessica, Andrew, Nick, Jeremy, Cory, Kyle and Cody

A special thank you to Marcilla Miron and the Marquette General Home Hospice Care for the wonderful care that was provided to not only Edward but to the entire Kausak family.

Private visitation and funeral services will be held on Friday at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone with Sister Dyonne Finn officiating. Committal will be in the Perkins Cemetery. The Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Kausak family with arrangements.