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Edward Krolak Obituary
Born: December 30, 1932 in LaSalle, IL
Died: March 7, 2023 in Ottawa, IL
Edward L. Krolak, 90, of Peru, passed away on the afternoon of Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at the Pavilion of Ottawa.
A prayer service will be 10:00 AM Monday, March 13, 2023 at the Mueller-Pagaini Funeral Home, LaSalle. Followed by Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 AM at St. Patrick's Church, LaSalle with Rev. Tom Otto, pastor officiating and Rev. Ron Margherio, OSB of St. Bede Abby concelebrating. Burial will be in St. Vincent's Cemetery, LaSalle. Visitation will be Sunday 1-4:00 PM at the funeral home with recital of the rosary at 12:45 PM.
Ed was born on December 30, 1932 to Edward J. and Clara (Dutkiewicz) Krolak. He was raised on Pulaski Street in Peru and raised his own children on the same street. He graduated from St. Bede Academy in 1950 B.G., earned a Bachelor of Arts from Loras College in 1954 B.W., and completed a Master of Arts in English from Notre Dame in 1963. He taught the majority of his career at LPO Junior College and then Illinois Valley Community College until his retirement in 1994. Ed married Patricia Travers on August 5, 1961 at St. Patrick's Church, LaSalle. They travelled widely including living in Great Yarmouth, England while Ed taught as a part of the Fulbright Program, 1987-88.
Ed instilled into his students and family the importance of lifelong learning. Whether in the classroom or at the dinner table, he fostered the power of knowledge in the minds of those he mentored. He shared the values of the Gospel through teaching, writing, and service to others. Polonius opined "brevity is the soul of wit," the irony of which made the role particularly suited to Ed. Perhaps we can take with us these lines to Laertes: "This above all: to thine ownself be true, / And it must follow, as the night the day, / Thou canst not then be false to any man. Farewell: my blessing season this in thee!"
Ed is survived by a son, Thomas (Harumi Wakisaka) Krolak of Rolla, MO; 2 daughters, Mary (Kevin) O'Grady of Rockton, IL and Karen (Peter Burgess) Krolak of Ottawa, IL, 4 grandchildren, Kellen, Patrick (Marilyn), Madalyn (Noah Diab), and Catherine O'Grady, and 1 great-grandson, John Paul. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and 1 sister, Bernadette Wilder. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Bede Academy, Loras College in Dubuque, IA or Illinois Valley Community College Foundation. Eamus Catuli!
The online guestbook may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.MuellerFH.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Edward Krolak
Sponsored by Mueller-Pagani Funeral Home, LaSalle.
5 Entries
Eric Sweetwood
April 4, 2023
As I grow older, I realize I am going to witness the loss of people who have made a difference in my life. Ed Krolak was an incredible professor of mine from Illinois Valley Community College. He had wisdom, wit, a sense of irony and a whimsical charm about him. I learned much from him, not only in composition, but in how to properly teach a class. I wrote to him during my teaching career and he was always kind enough to write back and share positive thoughts. If he were ever to walk into my class, he would have instantly seen the impact he had on my life, as many "Sweetwood-isms" were originally owned by him. He was a good man and an excellent educator and I am thankful I was in his class to benefit from his personality and knowledge.
Charlene Hudson Johnson
March 12, 2023
He was my English teacher at LP! Great teacher and mentor! Saw him at Veruchis about 10 years ago. He was my Uncles age and remembered him as a great football player at LP (Malcolm Condie Jr) so sorry for your loss! "Absent from the body, present with the Lord!" Charlene Hudson Johnson '64!
Damon L. Cattani
March 11, 2023
As a student "once upon a time" at IVCC, I remember Mr. Krolak and his patented bowtie in front of the-class. He was a wonderful instructor and man.
Our condolences to his family, but what a great and
influential life he lived!
Damon Cattani
Manitowoc, Wi.
BKE SR.
March 10, 2023
I am very sorry for your loss. Please remember that God blesses those who mourn for they will be comforted. (Matthew 5:4) The kindest of thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Don W.
March 9, 2023
A fine teacher and a great Cubs fan! R.I.P.
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Funeral services provided by:
Mueller-Pagani Funeral Home, LaSalle609 Eighth Street, La Salle, IL 61301
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