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Edward Cholak Obituary

Edward Moose Cholak. October 31, 2002. Late Of The East Side. Beloved Husband of Arlene [Nee Miller] for 45 Years. Loving Father of Kathleen and Steven. Dear Brother of the Late Ann [Robert] Tanner. Devoted Son of the Late Mary and Steven Cholak. Son-in-law of the Late Margaret and Bernie Miller. Dear Brother-in-law of Bonnie Caudle. Loving Uncle of Robert [Joanne] Tanner, George [Lois] Tanner, Phyllis [Jim] Trebbczynski, Jeff [Candi] Caudle, Kevin [Jacky] Caudle, Steve [Patty] Caudle, and Dee [Mitch] Helm. U.S. Navy Veteran of Korean Conflict. Retired Engineer of The City of Chicago. Moose was a Professional Wrestler for many Years. Member of Croatian Fraternal Union, Croatian Catholic Union, S.N.P.J. Lodge #8, Illiana Post #220 American Legion, and the Former Franko-McShane Post V.F.W. Visitation Sunday 2-9PM. Funeral Services Monday, November 4, 2002 at 9:30A.M. from The Elmwood Chapel, 11200 S. Ewing Ave. Chicago to The Church of The Annunciata. Mass of Christian Burial 10:00A.M. Interment St. Marys Cemetery. 773-731-2749

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Published by SouthtownStar from Nov. 1 to Nov. 2, 2002.

Memories and Condolences
for Edward Cholak

22 Entries

Jameson Campaigne

September 29, 2023

I got to know Moose during 1965-72 when I was editor of THE DAILY CALUMET newspaper which circulated on the East Side. Imagine my surprise when I found out how highly intelligent and well-read he was. Not only a really nice guy, but also a serious intellectual.

Conrad Rubinkowski

November 8, 2002

Moose provided me with many happy hours of entertainment. The last time that I saw him was here in Springfield at Lanphier High School in about 1983 or 1984. My sincere condolences.

Sharon Vlaisavich

November 5, 2002

When I was growing up, my dad always used to tell me and my family about his good friend, Moose Cholak from the old neighborhood. Our favorite story was the one about when my dad, Emil, pinned Moose. I finally met Moose when he attended my dad's wake. My family sends our deepest sympathies to the Cholak family.

Julie Peterson

November 5, 2002

I've been a wrestling fan all my life, and I met Moose Cholak when he wrestled at a fair at Brother Rice High School. I was only 10 or so, and he came over and talked with my dad and I, and he signed an autograph for me. I still have it to this day. I was so proud to have met him - especially knowing that he was a home-town guy and one of my dad's favorites. I have bragged to everyone I know about having Moose's autograph for 16 years now, whether they knew who he was or not.

And while I know that there were many pieces that made up Edward "Moose" Cholak besides wrestling, that is the piece of him that touched my life. And I am thankful for that piece of him that I will carry with me forever.

Dan Levy

November 3, 2002

Dan Levy Irish Temple

A Fan

November 3, 2002

MOOOOOOOOOSE!

Thanks for the great memories, Moose, and deepest sympathies to the Cholak family for your loss. Rest in peace.

Mark Quinn

November 3, 2002

I have the fondest memories of the great "Yukon Moose" Cholak in the Amphitheater in the '60s. My dad, my brother, and I would get ringside seats and watch the Moose take care of some moral reprobate who dared to incur his wrath.

On Channel 26 in its infancy, my brother and I would watch every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday night. Moose was always the best match and the best interview.

The last time my brother and I saw Moose was at St. Rita in the late '80s, wrestling a charity match along with his pal Dick the Bruiser. That was Moose--always there to help with some good cause.

To his family, thanks for sharing this gentle giant with his fans. You will never know the impact he had.

And, Moose, Godspeed, my friend--you and the Bruiser are probably cleaning 'em up in the great Battle Royal in the Sky!

Michael Soma

November 2, 2002

Rest in peace Moose, I wrestled you a few times and it was always a pleasure to do a job for you, you were a man among men and a gentle soul in a troubled world.

Frank Calomino

November 2, 2002

I grew up on the south side and saw the Moose many times at the Amphitheater he was my hero!!!! Thanks for the memories!!!!

John Malay

November 2, 2002

The Moose came to my town many times, with the Bruiser, Paul Cristy, and many others - but the Moose was special; he seemed larger than life, a giant...God keep you Moose, you will be remembered and missed...

Tom Turek

November 2, 2002

Thank you Moose for the many years of wrestling thrills. May you rest in peace.

Robert Plochl

November 2, 2002

I will never forget the great matches I saw with "Moose" at the International Amphitheatre in Chicago during the 60's & 70's, and when I met "Moose" several years ago at the Jewel food store on east 106th Street. You were a great gentle man and provided endless entertainment for your many fans. It was a pleasure to shake your hand and converse with you. God bless you. May you rest in peace.

George Kramer

November 2, 2002

I knew Moose well and wrestled with him for many years. He was a great man who loved life and his family.

ken semrow

November 2, 2002

Moose thanks for the memories of watching you wrestle i watched sitting with my father and brother i'm sorry i never had the chance to meet him may he rest in peace

Doug Mann

November 2, 2002

I have fond memories of seeing Moose wrestle at the International Amphitheatre, as well as once at Niles East High School.

While never having met the man, he seemed to be a gentle, sensitive and caring man.

Whenever, I watched him wrestle, whether in person or on television, I was always entertained. Even though that was some thirty years ago, I still have my memories of Moose. And, I can still see him on television through "The Golden Age of Wrestling" on ESPN Classic on Saturday mornings.

Rest in peace Gentle Giant.

Dan Roeglin

November 1, 2002

Thanks for the memories Moose in achieving "star status" but never forgeting your fans and making an impact on many lives outside of the business. Your life accomplishments were not limited to the wrestling ring, and I only hope my life can follow a similar path. You were an unforgetable personality and may you rest in peace.

kurt swanson

November 1, 2002

LONG LIVE THE MOOSE! SUNDAY MORNINGS ON CHANNEL 26 WITH BOB LUCE.THE INTERNATIONAL AMPHITHEATER, HOW COOL WAS THAT. WHAT A TAG TEAM GOIN ON IN HEAVEN RIGHT NOW.

November 1, 2002

Thanks for the wonderful memories, you were a true hero. Rest in peace.

fitzpatrick bob

November 1, 2002

One of my favorite memories is of playing football at Calumet Park in the early 80's. The game stopped suddenly and we all began saying "MOOSE MOOSE". Mr. Cholak came onto the field and shook hands with everybody. He was a true South Chicago/East Side icon.

November 1, 2002

Thanks for the memories, Moose. You were a true giant of the Wrestling World

Donna Hrynko

November 1, 2002

I knew when I was a little kid. He treated me like a niece. He whould let me & my sisters& brother get whatever we wanted when my dad whould take sleding behind his bar.Iloved him dearly&miss him.

November 1, 2002

Rest in Peace, Moose. You were a Chicago wrestling legend.

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