Edward John "Ed" Heil

Edward "Ed" John Heil
March 20th, 1959 – September 12th, 2024
Edward John Heil, affectionately known as "Ed," "Eddie," and "Hook'em Heil," passed away on September 12th, 2024, at the age of 65. Born on March 20th, 1959, in Chicago, Illinois. Ed grew up surrounded by family and friends, attending St. Gregory grade school.
A man of strong character and infectious humor, Ed was the life of any gathering. His bold, loud personality and sense of humor made him unforgettable. Known as the king of dad jokes, Ed's warmth and laughter will be missed by everyone who knew him. His memorable sayings and jokes will continue to resonate with those who loved him.
Ed worked as a full-time FedEx employee (and unofficial part-time fisherman), but his true passion was always his family and savoring life's simple pleasures. A devoted husband to his wife, Laura, they shared countless moments together, whether on a trip or unwinding in the garage, often with one of their beloved dogs.
Fishing was one of Ed's favorite pastimes in which he shared many trips with his brothers and father. Later, he passed this tradition down to his daughters and wife, creating cherished memories on the water together.
Ed loved all sports, but was a proud fan of the Chicago Bears and Cubs - supporting his teams with unwavering loyalty, even during their toughest seasons. "Ed's Garage" became the infamous place to be whether it was with a cold Busch beer, a "smoke", a round of darts, watching the big game, or grilling something delicious. It became a haven for laughter, blues rock music, and the company of family and friends.
Ed also had a deep love for cooking, especially at family barbeques and holiday celebrations. From preparing his favorite meats to using his electric meat slicer, which was a regular fixture at these gatherings, he ensured every meal was prepared to perfection. He always kept an eye on the weather and was the first to let everyone know when a storm was coming or when the day was going to be a "hot one". We could always rely on Ed.
Ed is survived by his beloved wife, Laura; his daughters, Allison and Kathryn; his grandchildren, Anthony, Abigail, and Lillian; and his siblings, Mary, Chris, and Joe. He was predeceased by his parents, Genevieve and Joseph Heil, as well as his siblings Jim, Debbie, and Mike.
A celebration of Edward's life will be held on October 12th, 2024, at 501 Taylor Ave in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, beginning at 1:00PM. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to spend time with everyone that loved Ed, share a meal, tell a joke, and maybe even cast a line in his honor.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Justen's Wonder Lake Funeral Home. For information, please call the Funeral Home at 815-385-2400, or visit www.justenfh.com, where friends and loved ones may share memories of Ed on his tribute wall.