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EDWARD DeROUIN Obituary

Edward M. DeRouin of Geneva The funeral for Edward M. DeRouin, 63, formerly of Elmhurst, will begin at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, March 11, at the Malone Funeral Home, 324 E. State St. (Route 38), Geneva, proceeding to St. Peter Catholic Church, 1891 Kaneville Road, Geneva, for celebration of a funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. with Father Martins Emeh Celebrant. Private interment will be held at All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines. Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m., with a liturgical service at 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 10, at the funeral home. Born Oct. 15, 1946, in Evanston, Ill., the son of Edward and Edith (Larsen) DeRouin, he passed away Thursday, March 4, 2010, at McAuley Manor in Aurora. Mr. DeRouin retired from Commonwealth Edison after 33 years of service as a project manager. He was an Army veteran serving during the Vietnam era. Edward loved photography and was an avid railroad historian and author of numerous articles and books on railroad history in Chicago and the Midwest. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Barbara (Laughlin); children Michael (Robin) of Berwyn and Jennifer (Andrew) Taylor of North Carolina; grandchildren, Alex and Kaitlin DeRouin, and Matthew and Lindsay Taylor; brother-in-law, John (Cathee) Laughlin; sister-in-law, Linda Laughlin; and nieces, Julie (Marty) Schroeder and Kim (Mark) Skalman. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Robert. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Provena Hospice, 77 N. Airlite Elgin, IL 60123 or the University of Chicago Sarcoma Program, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., MC2115, Chicago, IL 60637, would be appreciated. For information, 630-232-8233 or visit www.malonefh.com.

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Published by Daily Herald on Mar. 7, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for EDWARD DeROUIN

Not sure what to say?





Garl Latham

June 3, 2010

Please accept my deepest and most heartfelt sympathy for what has happened. I only learned of your loss yesterday.

I have always greatly enjoyed Ed's work as a railroad historian and writer. In fact, it was his book "Moving Mail and Express by Rail" which inspired me to pen a recent column. The piece, entitled "Getting over it," was posted to the Progressive Railroading blog site only two days before his passing.

If it might help to see just one way Ed's knowledge and talent graciously assisted others, I'd invite you to read what I wrote:

http://myprogressiverailroading.com/blogs/gblatham/archive/2010/03/02/getting-over-it.aspx

May God bring you peace and comfort.

I am so very sorry.

Garl B. Latham
Dallas, Texas

David Peck

March 23, 2010

Dear Barb,
It was a shock today to hear about Ed's passing in Al's Hobby Shop - I was in Elmhurst for four days visiting my son. Although our physical locations made it difficult to get together, I have always considered you special friends and enjoyed the correspondence and occasional visits when I'm in town. Jeannie and I extend our prayers and our sympathy to you and your family in this time. Ed was a man of many talents and a truly kind and gentle man.

Dave and Jeannie Peck

Lisa Lynch

March 22, 2010

I knew Ed from the fitness classes we attended together in Geneva. Since he was the only male in a class full of women, he always said something that made us laugh! He was such a good sport and I know we will really miss him and his pleasant disposition. I send my condolences and pray that he rests in God's loving arms.

Kim Dechert

March 22, 2010

I just found out about Ed's passing and am so saddened. I would like to share another side of Ed...his passion for exercise. He faithfully attended my Pilates and Turbo Kick classes for 4 years. I appreciated Ed's dedication, humor, intelligence and clever wit--he was always a perfect gentleman and a delight to have in class. When he often spoke of his family, this much was obvious: He adored his wife, Barb; was so proud of his children; and crazy about his grandchildren. His integrity and character made him one of my favorite students and I was blessed to have both he and Barb in class. My heartfelt condolences to Barb and the family.. Kim Dechert, Cincinnati, OH (formerly Geneva, IL)

Ed Burns

March 15, 2010

Barb and Family:

I never met Ed, but I purchased his book on the Chicago Union Station. What a great book! A great historian has been silenced. I wish I would have met Ed.

I am a retired NP-BN-BNSF Clerk from Northtown (Minneapolis).

Bob and Jackie Bresse-Rodenkirk

March 15, 2010

To Barb and the DeRouin family:
Ed was a font of information for the rail preservation and fan communities, always fun to speak with and was a gentleman to all. If there are railroads in the hereafter, Ed no doubt is getting acquainted. He will be missed.

Joe Illichman

March 15, 2010

I met Ed at Chicago South in 1991 when he was manager of the operating group.Later Ed took the managers position in Libertyville. Ed helped me get the supervisors job there and I am so grateful to this day for what he did for me. He was a good person and I will never forget him for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime.

John Greedy

March 15, 2010

My condolences and sympathy to the family of Ed DeRouin. Ed was my friend and will be missed. Rest in Peace.

Roy Gager

March 12, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Rick

March 12, 2010

Ed touched many of our lives and we are better people for it. He will be always be with us in his books. He had the ability to get us old rails to talk and remember and for that we are thankful. He will always be with us. The 19 order will never be complete.

Tom & Donna Martin

March 12, 2010

Our deepest sympathy to Ed's family. Just received an email this morning. And of course are in a state of shock. Ed was one of the good ones! Have very fond memories of our working days together at the block house. May he rest in peace and may his family find comfort in knowing that he was well loved by all who knew him.

Juli Tomse

March 11, 2010

Ed was a very nice man. It was only over the last two years that I started to get to know him. I enjoyed his company and his stories. I will miss seeing him at St Peter's after the 11am mass on Sundays. Rest in Peace, Ed.

Bill Denton

March 10, 2010

My deepest sympathies to the DeRouin family. As many have said, I was greatly saddened to hear about Ed. I don't remember exactly when we met but it was maybe 6 years ago in Naperville at the Prototype Modelers convention. I felt like "instant friends" with Ed because that is just how he treated everybody. A finer gentleman doesn't exist and he will be greatly missed by many. I enjoyed his books and articles along with seeing his railroad models. I will forever treasure his autograph on my copy of "Trackside Chicago" Rest in peace, my friend.

Glenn Bieritz

March 10, 2010

Dear Barb and Family!
I worked with Ed at Commonwealth un til I retired in 1992 and always appreciated his work ethic and knowledge of what we were about. God has a way of gettimng us through these "bumps" on the journey called life and somehow we all survive. Blessing to all of you.
Glenn Bieritz

Robert Grotz

March 10, 2010

Dear Barb and Family,
I'm so sorry to hear about Ed's passing. He will always be remembered as the one with the big smile at family gatherings.

Sara Smeltzer

March 10, 2010

Mr. DeRouin was truly a great man. I have known him for all of my life, and he has been a friend to my family for even longer. He was one of the kindest people I have every met; he was always there to share a smile, a laugh, or a kind word. This is truly a great loss, and he will be missed every day.

Charlie Vlk

March 10, 2010

Ed was a positive influence on all that he met. He always shared his knowledge and love of railroads and the Burlington Route in particular freely and without reservation.
His books, articles, and clinics were informative and enjoyable.
He was scheduled to be the after banquet speaker at the BRHS Annual Meet in Geneva this fall. Instead, he was called for a different run with the likes of Bernie Corbin and Bat Masterson who have gone on before us.
He will be missed and I extend my sincere condolences to Barb, Michael, and Jennifer and the rest of Ed’s family.

Mike Slater

March 10, 2010

I was shocked to hear of Ed's Passing, What a great person we have lost, and the knowladge that he put into his great books.

Mike Slater
President of the Western Union Junction Railroad Club & Museum

Darin Umlauft

March 10, 2010

Ed, I will miss you and your knowledge of railroads. We will miss you during our lunches in Milwaukee, swapping information and helping with various projects. Your smile will be everlasting etched with us.

Mike Blaszak

March 9, 2010

Ed's knowledge of railroading in the Chicago area and his good-natured discourse at our meetings and dinners will be missed by his many friends in the rail enthusiast community.

Rich Cajka

March 9, 2010

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Ed Bell

March 9, 2010

I didn't know Ed as well as I would have liked to, having met him through a long time college buddy of mine. Ed was immediately likable and in possession of a fine sense of humor. He will be missed.

Jim Schweitzer

March 9, 2010

Ed was one of the good guys. He had his opinions and honestly stood by them. And honesty like that is in short supply these days. He'll be sorely missed.

Bob Daurer

March 9, 2010

Ed's passing leaves a great void in all of our lives. I will miss his smile and warm friendly greetings. He will always be a friend and I consider it an honor to have known him. I am so deeply sorry for his family.

Bill Molony

March 9, 2010

As a railroad photographer, author and historian, Ed was one of the very best of our generation. He was a member of many railroad historical societies and generously contributed his time and talents to all of them. Without question, my life was enriched by his friendship, gentleness and professionalism. We have lost a fine Christian gentleman.

Bill Molony, President
Blackhawk Chapter
National Railway Historical Society

Bill Neale

March 9, 2010

I initially met Ed through his modeling efforts at the Batavia Model Railroad club. I remember him well and always enjoyed his company. I was very pleased to see him again at the Pennsylvania Railroad Historical Society meeting last year in Indiana. We shared a few drinks and a few stories. I will miss him. He was truly one of the "good guys".

He was also very good at his life's work, providing excellent histories for all of us. He helped us understand the "why and how" of now, by bringing the perspective of the past. His uncompromising perfectionism and deep curiousity has benefitted all of us. Thank you Ed. You will be missed.

March 8, 2010

We are deeply sorry for your loss of ED. We shared a small part of his life at Chicago South Headquarters when he was Supt. of Load Dispatching. He will be greatly missed by his friends from ComEd.

Mary & Jack O'Toole

Tom Wiedman

March 8, 2010

Dear Barbara and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Ed was a dear friend and co-worker at ComEd. We traded knowledge, his being operating and mine being relaying. I so enjoyed our long conversations. He was such a wonderful gentleman and with such wonderful integrity.

Hinkle Engineering

March 8, 2010

The staff at Hinkle Engineering wish to convey their heartfelt sympathy to Edward's wife, Barbara and his family and friends. You will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Dennis Foulke

March 8, 2010

Ed and I have been friends for a long time and I treasure our time together. He was a class act, a great person, and a good friend and will be missed.

Terry & Barb Goodin

March 8, 2010

We met Ed and Barb through our daughter-in-law Nancy (Bodene) Goodin. Ed and Barb are Nancy's Godparents, and have always been a special part of her life. We have had the pleasure of spending time with Ed and Barb at a number of family occasions, and have always enjoyed their company. We would like to extend our prayers and condolences to Ed's family and friends. We have always felt that Ed was a warm, caring, gracious man, and we will miss him very much.

Karl Rethwisch

March 8, 2010

Ed and I became friends after our first meeting years ago. I live in CO. so email became the communication of choice. We shared and compared many stories and historical data concerning railroads and railroading. Ed;s absence will be felt by all who knew him. He was a great person and a good friend.

Karl Rethwisch

Rick Peterson

March 8, 2010

Our family sends deepest condolences to Mr. DeRouins survivors. As one who admired his books and read, with pleasure, his e-mail contributions to various railroad groups, I want to recognize and thank his family for supporting his efforts to enrich the volume of railroad history. He will be remembered by many people.

Rell Barrett

March 7, 2010

I was saddened to hear from a railroad friend of Ed's passing. I had the great pleasure of meeting him at my home and trading stories. What a great gift he had in remembering the details of his many experiences. And better yet, in the stories he would tell in his books for all to learn. I will be eternally happy with my autographed copies of his books. May his family realize how much we all loved him. May he rest in eternal peace. I am sure he is telling those great railroad stories in the afterlife. My condelences and we all share your loss.

Alex Schneider

March 7, 2010

Ed has been a leading member of the Chicago area railfan community and enjoyed as a cordial friend by all of us. His books, particularly "Mail by Rail", are a monument to his knowledge and enthusiasm. We have been saddened by his struggle the last two months and will miss him very much.

Barbara, Michael and Jennifer, we share your loss and honor Ed's memory.

Alex Schneider

March 7, 2010

Ed will be remembered as a Class Act. A friend to many in the railfan group. Terry Norton

March 7, 2010

Altho I had not known Ed for very long, I knew he was a great guy the first time I met him. While our friendship may have been all too brief, it was one I will be eternally grateful for. I will sincerely miss Ed, and his ever smiling face. Rest in Peace, my friend.

gary roe
president
Wabash Railroad Historical Society

Dave Lambert

March 7, 2010

Ed was a fellow member of an informal e-group of passenger train enthusiasts. His posts and comments were always on-point, well thought out and enthusiastically received.
He was a friend and brother to all of us. He will be missed.
Our most heartfelt condolences to Ed's family. You are in our prayers.

john kelly

March 7, 2010

Ed DeRouin was a good friend and fellow railroad book author. Ed was always willing to share his knowledge on our favorite railroad the Burlington Route, and his books on Chicago Union Station, Mail & Express and the Pennsy were all popular in the railfan community. Ed, God bless you and rest in peace.

John Kelly
Madison, Wisconsin

Stacy Monti

March 7, 2010

We are so sorry to hear that Ed passed away! He sure was a wonderful man! How thoughtful he was not only to dedicate his book to our dad, but to sign a copy for each one of us 13 children. We will cherish that book always! I'm sure Ed and Dad are having a wonderful reunion in heaven-talking about trains with a Pabst Blue Ribbon in hand. We wanted you to know that our hearts go out to all of you as we pray for you and your family and the soul of our dear friend.
"Eternal rest grant to Ed, oh Lord, and may the perpetual light shine upon him, may his soul and the souls of all the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace."
With much love & gratitude,
The Children of Dell R. "Mike" Reed
(Patrice, Rob, Mary, Mike, Gerard, Stacy, Bernie, Les, Jean, Fran, Geri, Maria and Loni.)

Jon Roma

March 7, 2010

Never met Ed, but we shared a love of railroading, and he was a treasure chest of information. My sympathies to all those close to him.

Randy Olson

March 7, 2010

I am so sorry to hear of Ed's passing. He was a great guy!

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