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EDWARD GANSHIRT Obituary
Born Oct. 13, 1923, in Galena, Ill., to Andrew and Virginia (Peschang) Ganshirt, he graduated from Galena High School in 1941. He attended Northern Illinois State Teachers College (now NIU) until he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942. Assigned to the weather service, he studied at the University of Michigan, and was stationed in Rantoul, and Wilmington, N.C. After his discharge in 1946, he returned to NISTC, completing a degree in mathematics and science in 1947.
After his graduation he became a math and physics teacher at Burlington High School. While in Burlington he met his future wife, Donna Schmidt. They married June 4, 1952, in Dubuque, Iowa, and became the parents of three sons and one daughter.
Earning a master's degree in education from NISTC in 1953, he became principal of Burlington High School in 1953. He remained in that position in 1970. During that time he oversaw the construction of Burlington Central High School.
In 1971, he and his family moved to Galena where he became the principal of K-8, eventually becoming principal of the Galena Primary School. He retired in 1983. He spent one year working as a tour director for Tri-State Tours in Galena before working at Galena Cellars Winery. He and his wife moved to Sycamore in 2002.
Mr. Ganshirt was a member of the Burlington Volunteer Fire Department, serving as the Red Cross safety officer; the NIU Alumni Association, serving as president in 1968-69; the Kane county Teachers' Credit Union Board; Phi Sigma Kappa National Fraternity; Galena Historical Society; Galena Community Development Foundation and the Sycamore American Legion. He received many accolades and awards from various organizations including being named an Honorary Chapter Farmer by the Future Farmers of America, the Community Builders Award from the Masons, and recognition for his work with the Illinois Bicentennial Commission for the U.S. Bicentennial Celebration, Boy Scouts of America U.S. Grant Pilgrimage, and Northwest Illinois Special Education District.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Donna; sons, Clark (Debbie) of Dundee, Mark of West Hollywood, Calif., and Kent (Melissa) of Jonesborough, Tenn.; daughter, Joanne of Sycamore; two grandchildren, Chad (Liz) of Homewood and Erin (Brian) Weick of Dundee; two great-grandsons, Chad and Caylum Ganshirt of Homewood; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25, at Butala Funeral Home and Crematory in Sycamore. A funeral service will begin at 7 p.m. with the Rev. Camaioni from the Newman Catholic Student Center officiating.
Memorials for Edward Ganshirt can be made to the DeKalb County Hospice in care of Butala Funeral Home and Crematory, 1405 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL 60178.
For information or to sign the online guest book, visit www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com or call 815-895-2833.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for EDWARD GANSHIRT
john schmidt
October 16, 2023
think of you and usaac. I'm still here at 100. jj
November 8, 2012
Donna and family...We were very sorry to learn of Ed'd passing. He certainly left his mark on Galena...he will long be remembered for all he did for our community. Our deepest sympathy to all...Mary and Bob Roth
November 2, 2012
To the Ganshirt family: My most sincere condolences to all of you on the loss of your husband and father. I worked in Dist. #301 between 1965 and 1969 and was at Central 2 afternoons a week. I always admired Ed's wonderful leadership skills and his compassion for all who worked or studied in his building. I fondly remember him and all of you, too. May your friends and family help you find comfort and strength during this sad time. God bless you, and Ed, too. He was a fine gentleman and role model. Beverly Finn
October 31, 2012
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by God's abiding love.
Donna (Oleson) Scaravelli
CHS Class of 57
October 31, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Jon & DJ Gabric
October 29, 2012
Donna and Family
Ed was working at the winery when my wif and I owned Grants Place on the second floor. I remember long conversations with Ed about everything and sometimies nothing. I always sought out and respect his opinion. He was one of the best.
KATHLEEN KIRCHMAN GEEN
October 28, 2012
WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER A GREAT PERSON
Diana Chamberlain
October 27, 2012
Ganshirt family, your have my deepest sympathy. I am a graduate of Central High School and worked in the office. My dad was a school bus driver and we both had a deep respect for Mr. Ganshirt. My favorite memory is when we girls had to report to the office and kneel of the floor, because it was reported out skirts were too short! He was a great guy and fun to work for. Diana Seyller Chamberlain, Class of '65
Anne Marie (Smith) Merrick
October 26, 2012
To the Ganshirt Family:
So sorry to hear of your loss. "Mr. Ganshirt" was a wonderful man, and my Mom always had so many good things to say about him. Joanne - we had a lot of good times in the ol' neighborhood! My prayers are with your family.
October 25, 2012
Ed Ganshirt was a Great Man, Husband, Father, Principal, Teacher, Community Member and just a Great Guy. I meet Ed and his family when they returned to Galena. Mark and I were classmates and spent a summer working together. My mother always had the highest words of praise for Mr. Ganshirt in all dealings. Rest in Peace Ed and my sincere and deepest sympathy to the Ganshirt Family.
Patrick Malone
October 25, 2012
Mr. Ganshirt was principle when I went to Galena Primary School. What a wonderful man.
My deepesest sympathy to family.
Cindy Schueller (Harris)
Laurel Lawson
October 24, 2012
Ed was, definitely, an inpiration to a young teacher in 1974! I learned so much under his advisement and, so did Ron! I am grateful for the days in which he was a mentor to me!
I am SO sorry and sad with all family, friends, and other loved ones who are grieving (as am I). He contributed to making me a better teacher, and, therefore a better person!
I had such a rewarding time creating his "Memory Box" on his retirement!
Fortunately, his days were "long and good upon the Earth"!
I have artwork in my home done by Mark. It will alwas remind me of the Ganshirts!
Love and sympathy to all!
Linda Pulk (Rothlisberger)
October 24, 2012
So very sorry for your loss. I was a student at Central graduating in 1964. I worked in the school office and remember Mr. Ganshirt's red bow tie. Someone would come in to the office & be mad about something and he would make his bow tie move using his adams' apple and everyone would just have to laugh. He was a great person, I have never forgotten him
Sandra Hefner
October 24, 2012
So Sorry for your loss. I was a student at Central High School and graduated in 1966. While I was there, I worked in the school office and remember Mr Ganshirt fondly.
Sandy White Hefner
October 24, 2012
Dear Donna and Family,
My deepest condolences and most heartfelt sympathies are extended to you on the loss of husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Ed was a very fine man. As a brand-new teacher at Cen tral I knew him as a firm boss and also as my mentor. My 35 years in the teaching profession are a tribute to his guidance and leadership. He will be missed.
Katie Edmonds
October 24, 2012
So sorry for your loss. He was a good person. He will be missed . Great principle. My god be with you and your family.
Tim and Janet Ryan
October 24, 2012
Joanne, your Mom and your entire family - Our deepest sympathy for your loss of a great Father, Husband and educator,to not only his students but everyone who had the pleasure to meet and know him,he will truly be missed!
Linda Miller
October 24, 2012
To the Ganshirt family, You have my deepest sympathy. "Mr. Ganshirt" was one of the finest people I've ever met, and he meant a lot to me and my family in Galena.
John Wachter
October 23, 2012
My deepest sympathy, and prayers for the Ganshirt family.
October 23, 2012
To Donna, Clark, Mark, Kent, and Joanne--Ed was a wonderful principal and a fine neighbor. Sending my sincere condolences for your loss.
Judy Clayton, now of Mineral Point Wi
October 23, 2012
Mr. Ganshirt was a great teacher and I always liked him as a person and a great principal. We tried to see him in Galena but he wasn't around the winery that day. Skip Keller, Class of 1957, Boscobel, WI
Kay Kroencke
October 23, 2012
Hello Ganshirt family, So sorry to hear of your loss. I remember him when he was principal here at the Primary School. Great guy and great principal.
Carin (Marting) Haller
October 23, 2012
My deepest sympathy, and prayers for the Ganshirt family. He was a very good principal and an asset to Galena.
October 23, 2012
To The Ganshirt Family,
My deepest sympathy to all of you. I remember Mr Ganshirt well as a very fair and caring man. He would laugh and kid with us and he always tried to help if he could. He is in my fondest memories of CHS.
Jeri Haines Bruening
Class of 69
Mary (Koeller) Peters
October 23, 2012
So sorry for your loss. Mr. Ganshirt will never be forgotten.
October 23, 2012
My deepest sympathy, and prayers for the Ganshirt family. Carolyn (Olwin) Jensen. Class of 1957
John Duffy
October 23, 2012
Thinking of you in your time of sorrow.
It was such a pleasure having known him. Had a great time in grade school with him as principal Donna,Joanne,Clark,Mark, and Grant. You are in my prayers.
October 23, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the Ganshirt family. I remember Mr.Ganshirt well as my principal at Central High. Always fair and always available to the students.
Bruce Hake
Shauna Sullivan
October 23, 2012
So sorry to hear of your loss. I loved your father and have some great memories of him when I attended primary school in Galena.
Louis and Dolores Nack
October 23, 2012
Our sympathy to Donna and Ed's family. Ed was our neighbor in Galena, as well as principal of the Primary School when I was hired to teach General Music. He was a good kind boss. He was so proud of his Galena heritage, and worked hard to keep Galena's history alive for others to enjoy. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jerry Whetstone
October 23, 2012
Clark, Debbie, and family,
So sorry to hear of your father passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Laura Edmonds
October 23, 2012
Our deepest sympathies
Scott & Laura (Bautsch) Edmonds
Willard & Marge Lenschow
October 23, 2012
Dear Donna and family,
You have our deepest sympathy.
I always remember that my mom couldn't remember who was the oldest of the boys [only 2 at that time] and Donna said C comes before M. Loved Ed as a person, and as a teacher...he was great at explaining algebra.
Willard & Marge Lenschow
Phoebe (Olwin) Hayes
October 22, 2012
EJG – Working as a volunteer in the school office, I saw those initials many times as only Mr. Ganshirt could write them. I remember a principal who was very comfortable with all of the students, stern, caring, always professional and had a great sense of humor. A blessing to have a principal for all my years at Central who was genuinely interested in the welfare of all his students. Phoebe (Olwin) Hayes – Class of 1967.
john schmidt
October 22, 2012
ed, you were a buddy as only you could be.jj
October 22, 2012
Clark and Deb Ganshirt:
WE are very sorry for the loss of your father, Clark. You have been a faithful son. Let us know what we can do for you and your family. All of you are in our Prayers. ~~Michael & Eva Marcese
October 22, 2012
To Donna and Family:
Michael and I have been aware that Ed has been ill for a long time now. Seeing his name in the St. Mary's bulletin to pray for the ill, Ed and family has been in our prayers.
--Michael & Eva Marchese
Alan and Cathy Olson
Alan and Cathy Olson
October 21, 2012
Alan and Cathy Olson
October 21, 2012
To daughter Joanne and family - E.J. was my HS Algebra teacher and principal, and he was good-natured, strict when needed, and a good teacher, and he inspired many of us.
May God rest his soul. Task well done.
- Alan Olson, Central HS Class of '57
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