Edward M. Waldron

Edward Michael Waldron (Ed) retained his soldier's strong heart to the end. He died in the care of the wonderful staff at the Wisconsin Veterans home with both of his children by his side. In his days preceding death, his family prayed for him and shared wonderful stories, while his friends recalled him as a loyal and adventurous friend. Ed leaves behind his children Eric Waldron (Sarah Coleman) and Genevieve Mete (Paul), his grandchildren, Waverly, Will, Wynter, and Bernadette, siblings Nancy Braham Homor, James Waldron (Sally), William Waldron (Natalie), Rita Davis (Bob), John Waldron (Donna) and many loved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved Tricia Waldron, parents Ann and Edward Waldron Sr., sister Patty, brothers- in-law Wayne Enberg, Thomas Braham Sr., and Emery Homor, his nephews Michael Waldron and Daniel Davis, and Eric, Jean, and Eileen Holroyd and Kaye Henzerling.

Ed was born in the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago. He was the eldest boy in a family of soon- to- be 7 siblings. He attended Queen of Angels school in Chicago where he met a lifelong friend Ken Klosterman, who became another brother to him. His family later moved to Glenview, Illinois where one of his fondest memories was touching the shoulder of John F. Kennedy on his 1960 Presidential campaign tour at the Glenview Palladium. Ed made lifelong friends at the Notre Dame High School for Boys. He and his fellow "Dons" shared fun and wild times at Riverview amusement park, bars in downtown Chicago, and driving to the hot hangouts around town. His high school report cards didn't reflect natural brilliance, but what he lacked in aptitude, he more than made up for with the work ethic he inherited from his father. Ed went on to be the first person in his family to attend college

Ed participated in the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) at the University of Illinois. Prior to his deployment to Vietnam, he ran the Officers Club in Oakland Army Base where he successfully improved the financial status of the club by revising the purchasing, inventory, and service procedures, and selling many, many drinks to soldiers en route to or returning from deployment. In Vietnam, Ed was in the 54th Transportation Battalion, 8th Transportation Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV) whose mission it was to provide transport for cargo and personnel and provide security for convoys moving through hostile areas. Ed and the men he worked with received a Letter of Commendation for their timely, courageous, and forceful action when under ambush. in a particular ambursh in 1967, his commander indicated that Ed's battalion displayed a coolness under fire equal to that of seasoned combat soldiers and their quick reactions precluded serious losses to the unit. Ed would go to achieve the rank of First Lieutenant and the Bronze Star Medal for his, "initiative, zeal, sound judgement, and devotion to duty have been in the highest tradition of the United States Army and reflect credit credit on himself and on the military service."

He started his professional career in downtown Chicago as an Accountant at Price Waterhouse. He was introduced to his future wife Trish (Holroyd) Waldron through a colleague. They spent their honeymoon in Europe traveling around in a racing green MG Midget. Uncommon at the time, they waited a few years after marriage to have children, instead focusing on their careers and opportunities for fun and travel. The couple lived in Chicago then later moved to Riverwoods where their son Eric was born. The family then relocated to Muskego, Wisconsin for a job opportunity for Ed. The family later welcomed their daughter, Genevieve. The family had a lot of wonderful times swimming, sailing, hosting summer parties, fishing, ice skating, and sledding at their house on Lake Brittany.

His daughter's favorite memories of him include that he read to her nightly as a child, weekends spent on long bike rides or horseback riding in Kettle Moraine, and the incredible times they had when traveling together as adults to Michigan, Florida, California, Idaho, New York, London, Ireland, Italy, Austria, and Slovenia. Ed supported Genevieve unwaveringly. If Genevieve needed a ride, someone to sort out her car problems, help moving, or someone to listen with open ears, her Dad was the first person she called.

His son's favorite memories of him include getting SCUBA certified and taking subsequent dive trips to the Florida Keys, Lake Michigan wreck dives and to various lakes and quarries throughout Wisconsin and Illinois. The pair also enjoyed amazing times above water on canoe trips to the Boundary Waters and sailing the family "Phantom" sailboat on Lake Brittany. Eric also enjoyed the many times he got to share his Dad with his friends. This usually happened after Eric and his 53150 friends returned to the Waldron homestead after a long day of various Lazer Tag or BB War battles for a big bowl of Ed prepared spaghetti dinner, shared with a side of his war stories and wit. Eric equally enjoyed sage counsel from his Dad which usually involved Ed sharing strategy on how to avoid implicating himself with scholastic or legal authorities.

Ed could be a man of few words but was always interested in learning about others. Ed offered support to those going through difficult times and spent as much time as he could with his parents and sister Patty in their final years. He loved giving nicknames and had a few of his own including Mickey and Mugs. Ed loved reading, Irish folk music, tending to his vegetable garden, spending time outside, and exercise. He modeled the importance of service to his children by volunteering in many organizations and clubs throughout his life. Like his mother Ann, Ed was a gentle and kind person. He stood firm in his values and supported others with conviction, even when facing challenges of his own.

Memorial service details will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight. Finally, the family would like to express their extreme gratitude to the exceptional team at the Wisconsin Veterans Home.